A SHARE of £2 million is up for grabs to youth projects across Essex.

Groups are being urged to apply for their share of the money from the Community Initiatives Fund (Youth), which builds on Essex County Council's Community Initiatives Fund.

It was so successful in its first three rounds, granting £5 million to 600 community projects across Essex, that further funding has been made available this year.

The fund is split between the county's 12 districts and boroughs, with £155,000 available for each one for youth projects in the coming financial year.

The money will be given to capital schemes only, with a minimum grant of £15,000 set to help really worthwhile projects get off the ground.

Young people will be involved in the decision-making process, while applicants must provide strong evidence of consultation and involvement of young people in their application process.

There will be two funding rounds for this new grant - the first deadline for applications will be September 12, with decisions being made from mid-October to the end of November. The second deadline for applications will be January 16, 2009, with decisions being made in March.

For more information visit: commun ityinitiativesfund.co.uk