GRASSROOTS organisations in Essex are being helped to flourish, thanks to a grants scheme which has distributed more than £500,000 since it was launched five months ago.

Chelmsford Silver Gems Majorettes is one of the latest voluntary and community groups to benefit from the Grassroots Grants programme.

The group received £3,205 to buy leotards and equipment to enable members to take part in national competitions.

Since it was launched in August grants have been made to 133 voluntary and community groups working in Essex.

The grant-making trust Essex Community Foundation is managing the Grassroots programme which is a Government initiative funded by the Office of the Third Sector to support community-based projects meeting local needs.

Caroline Taylor, programmes director at Essex Community Fundation said: "We are really pleased with the response from voluntary groups in applying for grants from this fund programme.

"We are increasingly told that the application process is simple and groups really appreciate the quick turnaround."

The Grassroots Grants programme is open to any voluntary and community group which is predominately volunteer-led and has an income of under £20,000 a year.

To discuss an application call the foundation's grants team on 01245 356018.

As well as the grants programme, the foundation has been set a challenge to raise £3.3million in endowed funding so it can secure matched funding of £1.65million.

It is appealing to all companies and individuals to support the appeal and take advantage of this Government initiative which enables it to uplift donations by at least 50 per cent.

At the end of the programme the invested £5million fund will give a permanent source of funding to support voluntary and community groups in the county.

For more information about the foundation's work, the Grassroots programme and to make a donation, visit www. essexcommunityfoundation. org.uk or call Jo Murphy on 01245 355947.