COMMUNITY groups, charities and good causes in Dorset and Hampshire can bid for a share of £24,000 of funding.

Persimmon Homes South Coast has announced the launch of a community champions fund.

Groups and charities can apply for cash from a £750,000 national fund, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made locally every month.

Matt Paine, the managing director of Persimmon Homes South Coast, said: “Persimmon Community Champions is a national programme where charities and groups can apply for match-funding up to the value of £1,000 to help them deliver neighbourhood projects that enhance their communities.

“We have always supported charities but we have never come together with such a large pot of money.

“We hope that our funding of £24,000 can make a huge difference across our region.

“Nationally, every one of our regional businesses together with our PLC head office and Space4 timber frame business will be giving away money throughout the year bringing the total to £750,000.”

“We want to hear from all types of groups and charities,” added Mr Paine.

“You may be a small scout group seeking funding for a trip, a school PTA that wants to create a vegetable patch or a community swimming club looking to offer further classes to the local community.

“We want to hear from everyone as we’re determined to invest our money where it will help the most. All we ask is that the group or charity has already worked hard to raise money themselves, and we will then match this effort with funding of up to £1,000.”

To apply go to persimmon homes.com/charity and complete an online application form.