'˜Make it Happen' for your special cause

This year marks the 12th successive year of the unique scheme, a partnership between the Melton Times and Ragdale Hall.

It exists to help community, voluntary and sports groups in need of a financial helping hand – with £10,000 to give away.

Our partnership with Ragdale Hall, the health hydro and thermal spa on the outskirts of Melton, began in 2005 and, since then, more than 200 organisations in the area have benefited.

All types of clubs, groups and organisations in the area are encouraged to bid for a share. Grants are made, typically in the £200 to £1,000 region, to enable events to take place in and around the borough, and to help with community projects.

David Hamdorff, managing director of Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa, said: “We are really excited to be involved in the 12th Make It Happen awards. It really feels as though the awards have become part of the local framework now and something that can be relied upon each year.

“The variety of applications we have received over the years is amazing and we always look forward to receiving them and hearing about the incredible work being done in the area.

“We have been able to make awards totalling in excess of £110,000 to over 100 different organisations and we would like to think this has left a lasting impression on the local community.

“However we couldn’t achieve anything without the groups themselves and we’re under no illusions that the real heroes are the people running the schemes and initiatives, the awards evening also gives us an opportunity to celebrate their work.” Successful applicants will be invited to a presentation evening at Ragdale Hall on Thursday, December 8.

Mr Hamdorff added: “It has been exciting to see the good work that has been achieved with donations from the scheme. I do hope we get a record number of applications this year and that maybe some of the schemes that have been successful or otherwise in the past will give it another go.”

**How to apply for a grant

There are two ways in which you can apply for a share of the £10,000 pot. You can either write a letter and send it to Make It Happen, Melton Times, 49 Nottingham Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1NT, or fill out an online form.

Whichever method you choose, you must provide the following information:

* Your name;

* The name of your group/club/organisation;

* Your role within the group/club/organisation;

* Your contact number;

* Your email address;

* Your postal address;

* The sum you are applying for;

* A brief description of the project/event you would use the grant for;

* An estimate of how many people the grant would benefit.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 1, at 5pm.