A competition will provide community projects in Monmouthshire with the opportunity to receive grants of up to £5,000.

'Grab-a-Grant' has been organised by the Big Lottery Fund with support from the South Wales Argus.

The scheme, launched on Monday 9th January 2012 has an application deadline of Friday 3rd February.

Shortlisted projects will be featured in the South Wales Argus with readers voting for their favourite projects by post. The five most popular projects will receive grants.

Organisations may be eligible to apply if they:

• are voluntary or community associations, a community or town council, school or health body

• are based in and benefit Monmouthshire

• have a UK-based bank/building society account in the name of the organisation that requires at least two signatories

• can spend the grant within one year.

Projects must also adhere to one of the following aims: supporting community activity, extending access and participation, increasing skill and creativity or improving the quality of life of people in the area.

To find out more and check eligibility visit

biglotteryfund.org.uk/grabagrant or phone 0300 123 0735.