THERE are just days left to send in your applications for Grab a Grant for the chance of sharing in £25,000 of lottery cash.

The Big Lottery Fund is urging community groups to return their application forms before noon on Friday. The South Wales Argus will then showcase shortlisted projects in March, with readers voting for their favourite by post.

The five projects receiving the most support will then be awarded grants of up to £5,000 each to improve the lives of people in their local communities.

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: “The deadline is looming so get in your applications as soon as you can for your chance to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

How to apply: Visit our 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 to us.

If you have 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 five projects getting the most support sharing £25,000.

Do you meet the criteria?

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 our terms and conditions.