Voluntary organisations and social enterprises in Brent with bright ideas for new projects have a chance to apply for up to £50,000 in financial support.

Brent Council has opened up applications for its Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund (VSIF), which provides up to £480,000 over two years to support new projects that benefit the local community.

Each successful project can benefit from a maximum of £25,000 in each of the next two years, which is now running in its fourth year.

To be in with a chance, applicants need to demonstrate how their project proposal meets one of Brent’s ‘Borough Plan’ objectives including getting people into work, providing children with the best start in life possible, improving the health of residents, providing support for the most vulnerable and reducing crime.

It can also include providing quality arts and leisure opportunities, promoting community cohesion, encouraging people to take part in democracy and helping to make Brent a cleaner and greener borough.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “I would encourage all organisations in the borough that run projects that improve lives, to take a closer look at this scheme and get an application in. It may well result in some significant funding which will help make a real difference over the next two years.”

The deadline for applications is 10am on April 18.

For more information go to brent.gov.uk/vsif.

For any enquiries on VSIF, email voluntarysector@brent.gov.uk