Worthy causes are today being offered the chance to bid for up to �3,000 as part of a drive to ensure the county's charities continue to provide key services.

SUFFOLK: Worthy causes are today being offered the chance to bid for up to �3,000 as part of a drive to ensure the county's charities continue to provide key services.

The Suffolk Foundation is urging voluntary and community groups to come forward and apply for the cash, which can be used to cover running costs, salaries, training, equipment and other expenditure.

The money is being made available through the foundation's Grassroots Grants initiative.

Chief executive Stephen Singleton said: “Grassroots Grants are designed to ensure that real needs are met at a local level and to support the many incredible programmes that are providing essential services in our communities.

“The beauty of them is that the process is quick and since the grants panel meets every month, groups get their funding at the time when they really need it.”

Triangle Living Water in Ipswich is one charity which has benefited from a grant, with the money going towards a kitchen refurbishment.

Community or voluntary groups with an income of under �30,000 per year, have volunteers and were established more than a year ago are eligible to apply.

Meanwhile, groups which have already received funding can reapply for another grant.

For further details, visit www.suffolkfoundation.org.uk. Alternatively, telephone Sue Wright on 01473 734127 for more information or to discuss a possible idea.

Have you benefited from the work of a Suffolk charity? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk