A fund to support community projects has been launched.

The Island Community Fund, managed by Manx Lottery Trust, will consider applications for community projects that demonstrate a clear commitment in line with the island’s Unesco Biosphere recognition.

Grants of between £300 and £25,000 are available for projects that benefit communities and the lives of people across the Isle of Man, and support at least one of the following areas: conservation, development and learnin.

You can apply if you are a registered charity, voluntary or community organisation, local authority, school or social enterprise.

Applicants must evidence match funding in line with the following requirement: Charities - 30%/MLT 70%

All other organisations - 50%/ MLT 50%.

Manx Lottery Trust chairman Sarah Kelly said: ’This new fund is a welcome addition to the Manx Lottery Trust grant scheme and we are delighted that Treasury has entrusted distribution to us.’

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said: ’The government has made available £250,000 to assist the development of projects that are in keeping with our Unesco Biosphere recognition.

’This recognition encompasses a broad range of community activities and I hope that we can help support a number of worthy initiatives.’

To find out more about the funding criteria, as well as how to apply, visit www.mlt.org.im