Local communities will benefit from a grant scheme that distributes money throughout the area.

Community groups or individuals across the Falkirk Council area can apply throughout the year for a Small Grant of up to £1000 to advance education or increase the provision of recreation within the Council area.

There is also an annual Community Challenge Fund Grant of up to £10,000 to help local groups deliver innovative projects to improve their area and have a positive impact on people living in that area.

The money is distributed via The Community Schools Charity, which was created because of the way Denny, Grangemouth, Falkirk and St Mungo’s High Schools were funded.

A Non Profit Distributing Organisation (NPDO) model funded the four schools and this allowed Falkirk Council to establish the Charity to disperse proceeds to the local community.

Cllr Alan Nimmo, spokesperson for Education, said: “It’s great that these modern schools generate money to reinvest in their communities.

“It is important to encourage people who know their community best to get involved in improving it.”

“We hope to see a broad range of applications for both grants from the diverse and innovative community groups throughout the local area.

The deadline for applications is 1 December 2014. If you are interested in applying for either grant, email CommunitySchoolsCharityBoard@falkirk.gov.uk or call 01324 506605.