Applications are still open for voluntary and community group grants.

The neighbourhood grants are for events and activities that will take place between April 2010 and March 2011.

Many organisations in the borough have already benefited from grants for one-off events or general running costs.

One example of this is Oxygen, a local youth project which, in 2008, secured £520 to buy equipment that helped them establish a weekly outreach project working with young people in Chessington.

Oxygen director Richard James said: “Things come up from time to time where you need an extra focus. It’s great to be able to get that extra capital which you sometimes need for certain projects, especially when you are initially trying to get them off the ground. It’s a good source to go to.”

Potential applicants should be aware that funding is unlikely to be awarded towards major building work, minibuses, medical equipment, projects or activities whose primary purpose is to promote religion or activities that have already happened.

Potential applicants can contact Kingston Council’s voluntary sector unit to discuss funding needs on 020 8547 6068 or email grants@rbk.kingston.gov.uk.