SIR, Are you a member of a local voluntary group? Could you do with financial help for a particular project, or simply to keep it running? The Community Affairs Committee of Monmouth Town Council has a budget of £9,000 to distribute as grants. Please be aware that the grant process has been brought forward this year to assist groups in their planning. Don't miss the closing date. Applications are invited from local voluntary groups and charitable organisations from within the town council boundaries – Monmouth Town, Drybridge, Overmonnow, Wyesham, Dixton and Osbaston. The council will consider the award of grants of up to 75 per cent of the total cost of projects, equipment or on-going running costs. The maximum grant available will not normally be more than £750 and the applicants will be expected to raise 25 per cent of the whole cost through fundraising activities. National organisations having local branches may be considered, but must demonstrate that the project will benefit, either directly or indirectly, communities in Monmouth. Full guidance and an application form can be downloaded from the Monmouth Town Council website at http://www.monmouth.gov.uk">www.monmouth.gov.uk or contact the town clerk at the Shire Hall on 01600 715662. You need to be able to demonstrate that a grant would enable your group to contribute towards the Community Affairs Committee's aims of 'supporting and strengthening community participation, activities and events and helping to develop a sustainable, welcoming community'. The huge amount of local, voluntary activity that has been supported in past years, through these small grants, is staggering. We look forward to receiving your application by the closing date, which is strictly 12noon on 30th September 2014. Councillor Anthea Dewhurst, Chair of Community Affairs Committee (Monmouth)