Voluntary and community groups across Nottinghamshire have been urged to apply for the latest round of grants as part of a county council scheme to support grassroots projects.

The council said its Local Improvement Scheme is helping communities to be more vibrant and sustainable through providing grants to local organisations that seek to make a difference in the community – and contribute towards making Nottinghamshire a great place to live, work and visit.

Groups can now apply for capital funding of up to £30,000 at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/lis

The closing date for this round of funding is 28th February with £1.4m available.

The funding can be provided for physical things like signs, equipment or buildings, but not running costs. Applicants will need to demonstrate that their projects can deliver tangible, long-term benefits to the community.

Coun John Handley, vice-chairman of the communities and place committee, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The County Council has a strong track record of supporting community and voluntary groups in delivering valuable work – helping people to help themselves and enhance people’s pride of place in Nottinghamshire.

“Since the scheme was launched in 2017/18, the Local Improvement Scheme is making a real difference in our communities. In fact, 202 projects have benefitted from more than £2m worth of capital funding.

“The criteria for this latest funding round has been updated, as we want it to benefit as many community-focused projects across the county as possible.

“We also want to encourage a focused-approach, which is why successful organisations will now be required to spend the funding within a 12-month timeframe.”

One scheme that has recently benefitted from the funding is Mansfield Lawn Tennis Club, one of the county’s oldest sports club, which officially opened a new £140,000 clubhouse in October after netting £50,000 of LIS funding.

The new development aims to help attract even more people from Mansfield and surrounding areas to take up the sport and benefit from the improved club facilities.

Sharon Cox-Smith, chairman of Mansfield Lawn Tennis Club, and a member since 2005, said: “The new clubhouse will provide a warm, clean secure environment to all our members and visitors alike and by repositioning the clubhouse into the centre of the site this allows a good view point down the whole of the site, which is very pleasing to the eye.

“This project would not have been possible without the funding obtained from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Improvement Scheme.”