COMMUNITY groups and projects can apply for a share of £60,000 that has been allocated to a grants scheme.

The East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership (AAP) has set aside half of its £120,000 budget for 2012-13 for the Its Up 2 U initiative.

Funds will be allocated using participatory budgeting which will see the public vote for successful applicants at a community event in July.

The AAP board met last week to set the details of the scheme.

It decided that applicants can apply for £300 to £3,000 for projects that meet one of the AAP’s priorities.

It concentrates on activities for children and young people, community spirit and aspirations along with support for the voluntary and community sector and employment and job prospects.

An additional focus on access runs alongside those priorities.

Grant proposals must benefit people in the AAP area, help them get more involved in their community and be welcoming to all.

They should not duplicate any existing services, cover retrospective costs and all relevant documentation and permissions need to be in order.

The board also wants projects that draw on or build new partnerships and applicants to show they will promote the project, can sustain it when the funds run out and meet a local need.

Anyone interested must submit their bid for funding by Friday May 18.

For more information or support contact the AAP team on 0300-261128.