SOUTH Cumbria charities are being encouraged to apply for funding grants of between £500 and £20,000.

Applications for the funding open next Tuesday (August 4) and close on Wednesday, August 19.

Organisations can apply to one of four trusts for the cash boost, made available by the People's Postcode Lottery.

They include: the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, for charitable causes hit by COVID-19 (groups looking to adapt or expand services, or to increase their resilience should apply); the People’s Postcode Trust, which funds projects aimed at promoting human rights, combatting discrimination and helping to prevent poverty; the Postcode Community Trust, which supports initiatives working to improve health and wellbeing in communities (including those that look to reduce isolation); the Postcode Local Trust, which is aimed at groups looking to increase community access to outdoor space and improve biodiversity (groups looking to improve sustainability or combat climate change are also encouraged to apply to this trust).

The Community Trust scheme also supports projects that increase participation in arts and physical recreation.

Commenting on the upcoming funding opportunities made possible by the People's Postcode Lottery, Laura Chow, head of charities at the organisation, said: “Over the past few months we’ve seen the important role that grassroots good causes play in communities throughout Britain.

“I’m delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are able to support these organisations with this funding opportunity.

"Nearly £7 million will be awarded in grants, so I urge smaller, local good causes and groups to visit the trust websites, see where their project would best fit and get applying.”

For more information on the grant applications and individual trusts, charities are advised to visit: www.postcodeneighbourhoodtrust.org.uk