By Stoke City Football Club
The Stoke City Community Fund is a major community initiative which will make a difference to the lives of many local people.
It will become the Club's main focus for charitable activities over the course of the season.
The Fund is a grants scheme which will fund small, local community-based projects in Staffordshire and South Cheshire.
City hold a number of fund-raising activities over the course of the season including the Chairman's Annual Charity Ball which has generated significant sums of money for the nominated charities in that particular season.
Now though, it will be local groups, projects, community groups and self-help organisations who will benefit from this new Fund which has been set up to build upon excellent work already undertaken in the community.
"This is an excellent way in which we can help a wide range of projects within the community and in doing so extend upon the work which improves the lives of many local people," said City's Head of Community Adrian Hurst.
"Grants of up to £1,000 will be issued each month and in order to be eligible for such funding organisations must demonstrate a genuine community focused projects and complete our short application process."
He added: "Wherever possible, we are looking to support projects that are original and innovative. A considerable amount of emphasis will go on funding projects which provide long term benefits to the local community.
"The money can be used for anything from equipment to event costs, help towards rent or fixtures, sport or computer equipment. The Club will be happy to provide clarification about what it can be used for if you need it."
Applications can be submitted by using the downloadable form which is attached with the panel of judges sitting once a month.
The grants are available between £100 and £1,000, but newly-formed groups can only apply for funding of up to £500.
The Community Fund has a limited amount of money, so in some cases a donation may be made towards funding of a project.
* To make an application for a grant, download the application form in PDF format by clicking HERE.