Cash provided by the new Stronger Communities Fund will help groups in Northampton, Daventry and Towcester over the next three years and is specifically intended to help small organisations which usually struggle for funding.

WNDC board member Lee Barron said: "It's things like this that will really be able to change people's lives for the better.

"I think that's exactly what the WNDC should be doing and I believe it's what's really important to the people of west Northants.""
He was backed by the leader of South Northants Council, Cllr Sandra Barnes, who is also a member of the WNDC board.

She said: "This project will really make a difference. I'm very enthusiastic about it and I look forward to it being a great success."

WNDC said the Stronger Communities Fund should support sports and cultural projects, promote the area as a place to live and help integrate the area's various communities.

The scheme could also help rural communities around west Northants.
Decisions on who will receive funding will be made by a special board made up of three members of WNDC and three people from local voluntary groups.

The board will meet each month to consider applications for individual grants worth up to £20,000.

A total of £150,000 will be given away in the first year, with £300,000 being given out in 2009/10 and the same again in 2010/11.

WNDC expects the average award to be between £1,000 and £5,000.
Visit www.wndc.co.uk or telephone 01604 586600 for details.