A massive funding boost has been given to community projects in the Vale of White Horse as part of the district council’s capital community grants scheme. Over £60,000 was awarded to 21 community projects to help spend on buildings, extensions and equipment. The scheme offers grants of up to £5,000 to any constituted community-based organisation, including not for profit businesses and town and parish councils. Projects that received a grant include new projection equipment at St Matthews Church in Harwell to engage their congregation, a new car park at Tugwell Field for Wantage Silver Band and improvements to the Pump House in Faringdon, a renovated building in the centre of the town. Cllr Matthew Barber, leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council and cabinet member for grants, said: “In difficult financial times, local communities need to be at their strongest. Providing this funding means we’re able to help neighbourhood organisations improve their services and facilities to local residents when they’re needed most. ” The grant scheme is currently closed but will reopen for another round of applications on 5 July 2013 and pre-application advice workshops will be held for potential applicants to help them fill out all the relevant documents and to make sure the scheme is for them. To register an interest in attending a workshop or to find out more about the capital grants scheme, email grants@southandvale.gov.uk or visit www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/capital_grants.