The Leeds Fund, supported by the YEP, opens its first round of cash giveaways today (July 1), with £50,000 up for grabs. Community groups are invited to bid for grants of between £500 and £2,500 that will support locally-based projects across the city. The scheme will focus on providing support to smaller community organisations with an annual turnover below £150,000. At least two grants rounds will be held per year, with the themes changing each round in response to emerging needs. Applications are particularly welcome from practical projects working towards skills enhancement, social inclusion or being better neighbours in the inner city of Leeds. James Prince, head of branch at John Lewis Leeds, one of the project’s key business backers, said: “We are delighted to open the first round of #GiveLoveLeeds grants to support community led activity across the city, and the neighbouring suburbs of our new flagship shop. “The Leeds Fund is a fantastic initiative which we’re very proud to be a part of, and we look forward to seeing the impact the grants will have on the lives of local people.” The Leeds Fund launched earlier this month at the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Whitehall Road offices, with overwhelming support from the local business community and third sector. Managed by Leeds Community Foundation (LCF), the project aims to raise and distribute a minimum of £500,000 each year from 2020. This year it aims to give away £300,000. LCF Chief Executive, Sally-Anne Greenfield, said: “Smaller community organisations often struggle to secure funding and, with continued government cuts, are at risk of closure. Thanks to the support of organisations such as John Lewis Leeds, the #GiveLoveLeeds Grants will be able to help these smaller projects continue to reach parts of the community that other organisations just can’t, tackling really difficult issues and having incredibly positive impacts. We hope the announcement of this scheme will encourage other companies to get involved with The Leeds Fund and help us gain investment into the Fund to ensure we can continue to distribute these grants year on year.” #GiveLoveLeeds Grants are open for applications until Friday, August 12. For more details on how to apply and how to support The Leeds Fund, visit: www.theleedsfund.org.uk.