Clarks Village has opened applications for its latest round of grants aimed at supporting local not-for-profit organisations.

This initiative, part of the Landsec Futures Community Grant Scheme, offers funding ranging from £1,000 to £3,000 to bolster voluntary groups and not-for-profit organisations in the South West region.

To be considered for these grants, applicants must be registered charities or not-for-profit organisations with a charitable purpose that benefits the community. A shortlisting process managed by the Charities Aid Foundation will precede a review by community grants panels.

These panels, comprising local community members, will select projects that promise the most significant impact in the area.

Clarks Village has a history of empowering the local area through these grants, having already awarded a total of £7,000 to various community groups. Past recipients include community-owned social enterprises, cancer support organisations, and children's support services. This funding aligns with the ethos of supporting community-driven solutions to local needs.

This grants initiative is part of Landsec's broader national commitment to creating social impact. With a £20m social impact investment, Landsec Futures aims to deliver £200 million worth of social value by 2030 and assist at least 30,000 people from underrepresented socio-economic backgrounds in securing long-term employment. Clarks Village, in particular, has contributed over £116,000 in social value to the Somerset region since 2019, supporting 148 local residents through various educational and employment programmes.

Chris Davis, the Centre Director of Landsec-owned Clarks Village, emphasised the role of retail in community cohesion. He remarked, "Retail has always been at the centre of communities, with shopping destinations acting as hubs that bring local people together while creating important value for local economies. As part of our long-term investment in the region, our community grants programme ensures we can continue to support local organisations that know their places best to effectively address the most pressing social and economic challenges our communities face."

Applications for the Landsec Futures Community Grant scheme are open until 19th February 2024, at 5.30 pm, with grant decisions expected by the end of April 2024. Interested parties can find more details and apply at www.landsec.com/futures under the 'Community Grants' tab.