A COMMUNITY awards scheme is giving groups across Poole the chance to win a grant of up to £25,000.

The awards are run by The OneFamily Foundation, which was set up to redistribute some of the profits of the OneFamily financial mutual to help members, their families and communities.

It is inviting OneFamily members with an active policy to nominate projects close to their hearts for the chance to win a grant of between £5,000 and £25,000.

They can be entered into one of four categories; school and centres of education, youth and affiliated organisations, health, disability and social care and sports and social groups.

Each category will have six winners, with five groups receiving £5,000 and one scooping the £25,000 award.

Last November Poole-based Diverse Abilities received a £5,000 to buy new furniture and equipment for its overnight respite facility thanks to the foundation.

James Hale, customer engagement manager at OneFamily, said: “Last year 36,000 people directly benefitted from our Community Awards and this year we hope to help even more, giving more than £500,000 to the community projects that mean the most to our members.

“Projects must be nominated to be in with a chance of winning, so I’d encourage people across Dorset to get involved and give causes close to their heart the opportunity to receive a life-changing grant.”

The closing date for nominations is June 29 at midday. Submit entries at foundation.onefamily.com/community-awards/