The deadline is fast approaching to apply for the Manx Lottery Trust’s latest set of grants.

Each year the charity’s trustees focus on a specific need in the community. This year’s theme is ’bridging the digital divide’.

The trust says: ’Schemes which will receive support are those that aim to improve access to digital resources, but also help local communities and organisations build digital confidence and skills.

’This can be done in a variety of practical and creative ways and the trustees welcome partnerships between different organisations to maximise effectiveness and reach.’

There is a total of £150,000 on offer, with grants available ranging from between £2,501 and £150,000 (with a maximum of £50,000 in any one year).

Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 10.

Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust Sarah Kelly added: ’Digital technologies help people stay connected with colleagues, friends and family and access activities they might need for a number of reasons - this has been more important than ever over the last 18 months.

’This period has also shown a gap where it’s necessary to improve accessibility. Also, those at risk of loneliness and social isolation because of age, health, disability and income, are also at risk of digital exclusion.

’By improving access, knowledge and confidence in the digital sphere positive outcomes are expected, which is why we felt it was so important to choose this theme.’

Manx Lottery Trust has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money that has come from The National Lottery Community Fund.

’For more information on Thematic Funding Community Award applications, head to the Manx Lottery Trust website: www.mlt.org.im