People’s Lottery Millions up for Grabs for ITV Central Communities

The People’s Millions 2010 competition opens its doors for projects in the ITV Central region to put in their bids to receive up to £50,000 from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).

It is the sixth year of The People’s Millions competition, allowing communities across ITV Central to improve facilities or get more enjoyment from their local area.

Five bumper Big Lottery Fund grants are on offer in ITV Central, with a total of £250,000 to be awarded to community projects in the region.

The People’s Millions, a partnership between the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) and ITV, aims to improve communities across the UK and gives the public the chance to vote on which local projects should receive lottery good-cause funding.

Shortlisted projects will be showcased on local ITV evening news where they will have to convince the public why they need the cash. It will then be up to the public to vote for groups to win the funding.

To date the contest has awarded thousands of pounds in the ITV Central, funding a wide range of community projects from the renovation of a scout hut to a new vehicle to increase capacity for search and rescue assignments and installing a new play area, themed to promote the history of the site.

John Taylor, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the West Midlands, said: “BIG and ITV are calling on people to come forward with their brilliant ideas to improve their communities. I would urge you to seize this opportunity to get funding for something special that you know will make a real difference to the people around you.”

This year a new streamlined online entry form will mean that applying to the contest will be even simpler. Entry forms are available from Wednesday 10th March at www.peoplesmillions.org.uk. Entries need to be returned to the Big Lottery Fund by the deadline, 12noon on Friday 14th May 2010.

ITV Central presenter Sameena Ali-Khan, said: “The People’s Millions gives us a fantastic opportunity to do some real good in the community. Over the years we have seen some great projects benefit, and make genuine changes to the lives of those they support. It is great fun to do and very rewarding to see the projects completed and working.”

ITV Central presenter Bob Warman, added: “We’re delighted the programme is back for another year, and cannot wait to see which innovative projects are shortlisted.”