Hi I’m Carole Lee; I am employed by Home-start and have been working there for 14 years, previously working for the Youth & Community Service (now Young Peoples Service). I have also worked for several other voluntary agencies (Relate, Women Centre, Victim Support). Whilst I have been attending the Children's Trust meetings in South Ribble since 2008 I have only just begun to represent the wider sector.

Community Spaces is a £50m open grants programme to help community groups create or improve green, open spaces to enhance people's quality of life. Grants start at £10,000. Visit Community Spaces for details.

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation aims to fund the charitable activities of organisations that have the ideas and ability to achieve change for the better. Primary interests are in the UK's cultural life, education and learning, the natural environment and enabling disadvantaged people to participate more fully in society. Visit: www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk for details.

The Foyle Foundation provides grant assistance to small UK charities for projects that will make a significant impact on their work. Visit: Foyle Foundation for more details and to apply.

Awards programme provided by electronics giant Philips to recognise and develop practical, achievable ideas to improve the liveability and quality of life of modern cities under the categories of: well-being; maintaining independent living; and healthy lifestyles at work and home. Visit: Modern cities to apply.

Small Sparks is a local funding scheme to help the citizens of Lancashire to:

• Improve your health and well-being
• Improve your quality of life
• Make a positive contribution to our local community
• Increase choice and control to help meet your needs
• Support freedom from discrimination and harassment
• Support economic wellbeing
• Maintain dignity and respect 

How much money can I apply for from Small Sparks?

The Sport for Change initiative is seeking applications from community groups and organisations that use sport as part of a wider aim to bring about positive change for individuals and/or their community. The maximum grant available is £100,000 the next deadline is 21 May. For more information visit their website.

Due to a higher level of income Lloyds TSB are increasing the funds available for the Foundation Community programme. The funding project will run until 2013, the aim of the foundation is to help disadvantaged people play a fuller role in their community. They are particularly focusing on projects which improve community/ social involvement and improve life chances.

This Foundation is currently accepting applications under its Education and Learning programme. The Foundation is especially looking to fund projects that develop speaking and listening skills for 11-19 year olds and focus on themes of supplementary education. The costs that can be covered by the Foundation's grants include running costs such as staff salaries and overheads such as stationery, rent, rates and utilities.

This Foundation funds local, regional and national charities for there work within the UK, and is committed to helping disadvantaged people through two charitable priorities. The Foundation brings together the initiatives previously undertaken by Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley savings business. Formerly the Abbey Charitable Trust, the Foundation was set up in 1990 and has given more than £28 million to charities in the UK.