6 May 1997

Application line opens for new lottery funding - Helping to provide a good place to live

The National Lottery Charities Board today opened its application line for the new grants programme entitled Improving people's living environment and Voluntary sector development. Charities, voluntary and community groups should telephone 0345 919191 to ask for an application pack.

The application line will be open until 5 September 1997. Application forms should be returned by 3 October 1997.

The Board will consider applications from groups who propose projects which help improve people's environment by:

• tackling homelessness and its effects
• addressing environmental issues in the community
• supporting work with animals which benefit people.

The Board also plans to fund umbrella organisations under the Voluntary sector development programme by supporting projects which improve the sector's resources and infrastructure.

David Sieff, Chairman of the Board, said: 'We look forward to funding community led projects which help create a good place to live for everyone in the community and which assist disadvantaged groups to gain better access to safe and healthy living environments.'

The type of initiatives the Board hopes to fund include those to combat the growing problems of hidden homelessness, especially among young people, projects providing access to emergency housing and furnished letting schemes. Community-led conservation projects, community transport, recycling and composting schemes, repairs and renovation in village halls, community centres and other local social resources will also be supported.