Charities and community groups in Dumbarton and the Vale are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £20,000.

A pot of more than £3million has been raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

A wide range of community organisations, from registered charities, to community groups and social enterprises, can apply for grants of between £500 and £20,000.

And applications are open from July 31, until August 14.

More than 300 groups were awarded grants earlier this year including sports groups for military veterans, counselling support services for young carers, and sensory gardens for people with dementia.

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “It’s not just players who win with People’s Postcode Lottery - more £3million in grants will have a tremendous impact on the fantastic work that grass-roots groups are doing in communities across Britain.

“There is scope for a huge array of projects to benefit and I would urge all groups to look at the funding guides and apply.”

Funding is available through three different trusts which supports projects focussed on specific themes.

People’s Postcode Trust wants applications from projects aimed at promoting human rights, combatting discrimination and the prevention of poverty.

Meanwhile, Postcode Community Trust supports initiatives working to improve the health and wellbeing of communities, including arts and physical recreation projects, as well as those with a focus on reducing isolation.

And Postcode Local Trust provides funding to groups that are dedicated to improving outdoor space, in addition to increasing access to it. Groups working on flood prevention measures and looking to implement renewable energy strategies are also eligible to apply.

For more information, to view the funding guides and to apply please visit the trusts’ websites directly: postcodetrust.org.uk, postcodelocaltrust.org.uk or postcodecommunitytrust.org.uk.