SOUTHAMPTON community groups have received almost £48,000-worth of grants this year.

Now the city council is hoping to gift even more cash from its Community Chest scheme.

It says it has a further £52,000 that is up for grabs, with applications now open.

The Community Chest is the council’s small grants scheme and has been running for more than 30 years. The scheme offers grants between £100 and £2,500 to small, volunteer led community groups in the city. Grants are awarded twice a year from a total budget of £100,000, split roughly between two rounds.

Community and voluntary organisations with an annual income of less than £250,000 supporting Southampton city residents are eligible to apply and local organisations with an annual income of less than £50,000 have priority.

Applications are accepted from local community groups and small voluntary organisations for a wide range of projects.

Southampton City Council Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure, councillor Satvir Kaur, said: “Southampton is only as good as its people, so we remain committed to supporting those who are trying to make it a better place for everyone. We recently doubled the Community Chest grant which shows our commitment to empowering communities to do the great work they do.”