Groundwork is a federation of nearly fifty Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, each working with their partners to improve the quality of the local environment, the lives of local people and the success of local businesses in areas in need of investment and support. It is part funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) and supported by corporate, local and European funding. Every year Groundwork Trusts deliver thousands of projects in neighbourhoods that are blighted by a variety of social or economic problems. These projects aim to create opportunities for people to learn new skills and to take local action. They also aim to help businesses and individuals fulfil their potential. There are many opportunities for volunteers in Groundwork Trusts or they may be able to support a local project including regenerating parks and gardens.

For more information visit www.groundwork.org.uk or telephone 0121 236 8565

Community Champions aims to provide support for individuals who have shown leadership in stimulating community activity or small-scale community inspired projects, by developing their skills. It is funded by the Department for Education and Skills.
For more information visit www.dfes.gov.uk/communitychampions/index.cfm or telephone 0114 259 4113

The Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) was set up to help local community and voluntary sector groups get involved in decision-making on a strategic level through Local Strategic Partnerships. The CEF provides £60m over 2001 06 to set up Community Empowerment Networks (CENs) in deprived districts.
For more information visit www.neighbourhood.gov.uk/ or telephone 0845 828383

The People's Places award scheme is run by BTCV, and is open to community groups in rural and urban areas across England. Awards are targeted at communities living in areas of deprivation and at disadvantaged groups. It offers groups a chance to make a difference to their community by creating or improving a "people's place". This could be an area of land that could be turned into a community garden or park, or a building that the group wants to turn into an environmental community resource. Awards of £3,000 to £10,000 are available and guidance and eligibility notes are provided on the website.
For more information visit www.btcv.org/ppawards/intro.html or telephone the People’s Places Award Unit on 01491 821621

The Local Heritage Initiative helps communities bring their local heritage alive, by giving funds, advice and support. It is also collecting records and stories from the projects to create a national archive of England's local heritage. If you wish to investigate, explain or care for your local landscape, landmarks, traditions and culture you can apply for a grant of between £3,000 and £25,000. The scheme is administered by the Countryside Agency with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Nationwide Building Society. The £10m initiative currently covers England but similar schemes will soon be developed for communities in Scotland, Wales and possibly Northern Ireland.
Visit www.lhi.org.uk/index.html for more information on grants or support, or telephone 01242 521381