THERE is a week left to apply to Grab a Grant for the chance of sharing in £25,000 of lottery cash.

Through the South Wales Argus, the Big Lottery Fund will award five grants of up to £5,000 each to projects which will help change and improve the lives of people in their local communities.

Big Lottery is appealing for applications to be returned before the February 3 deadline. The Argus will then showcase shortlisted projects, with readers voting for their favourite by post.

The five projects receiving the most support will then be awarded grants.

Grab a Grant is open to any community groups in Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire and the Islwyn area of Caerphilly who have an idea for a project which meets at least one of the following: supports community activity, extends access and participation, increases skill and creativity or generally improves the quality of life of people in the areas (list of eligibility criteria below).

Mike Theodoulou, committee member for the Big Lottery Fund in Wales, said: “There has been a lot of interest already, with around 80 community groups attending briefing sessions and lots of inquiries by phone and email. I would encourage everyone to think about getting involved and apply today.”

Visit the website, www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/ grabagrant to read the application process, check whether you are eligible and register to download an application form If you are eligible, fill in the electronic application form and send it in.

Any questions or problems, phone 0300 123 0735 or email grabagrant@biglotteryfund.org.uk We’ll then be in touch to tell you if you have been successful.

Readers of the South Wales Argus will then vote for their favourite project between March 12 and March 23, with the five projects getting the most support sharing £25,000.

See if we can help you out

YOU may be eligible to apply for Grab a Grant if:

● You are a voluntary or community organisation or you are a community or town council, school or health body.

● You are based in and benefit Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent or the Islwyn area of Caerphilly.

● You have a UK-based bank or building society account in the name of your organisation (or for schools, a local authority bank account) that requires at least two unrelated people to sign cheques or make a withdrawal.

● You can spend the grant within one year.

● Your project meets at least one of our aims – supports community activity, extends access and participation, increases skill and creativity or generally improves the quality of life of people in the area – and you can meet out terms and conditions of grant.