ONE of the county's biggest grant making bodies is urging non-profit organisations in the Stroud area to apply to it for project funding this New Year.

The Gloucestershire Environmental Trust (GET) will have in the region of £500,000 to grant to deserving schemes in 2006, and is keen to encourage a wide range of project applications from all over the county.

Projects from the Stroud area have always been highly successful with GET grant applications.

In 2005, 10 projects received in excess of £147,000 between them, ranging from £5,000 for a replacement climbing frame at Synwell Playing Fields to £49,700 towards the refurbishment of the Stroud Valleys Artspace.

"We can support such a wide variety of organisations," said Adrian Phillips, chairman of GET.

"Stroud has a good track record for strong and active community groups, and we've been pleased to support a diversity of projects in the area.

"For 2006 we're hoping to hear from an even wider range of groups working to benefit the local people and environment."

Funding for GET comes from local waste-management company Cory Environmental, under the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. Since being set up in 1997, GET has funded 240 projects in Gloucestershire to the tune of more than £4.5 million.

There are four broad application categories - wildlife and conservation, open spaces for recreation and leisure, rural and urban communities; and historic buildings.

Projects supported by GET to date include historic churches, theatres and cinemas, nature reserves, village halls, playing fields and parks to name just a few.

For more information and an application form call the trust on 01242 680855.