This fund has been developed to encourage greater use of technologies in community settings.

The grant is open to village hall / community centre committees, as well as parish and town councils, to purchase equipment such as lap top, projector, screen or other technology that local groups would find useful.

The grants are for up to £2,000, with the applicant finding 20% of the total cost, to cover purchase of new equipment (not to cover the cost of purchases already made). This fund can also support parish / town councils to cover the costs of equipment for the digitisation of planning applications as long as the equipment is also available for wider community use.

The grant programme has been introduced in preparation for the broadband network in Herefordshire being greatly improved as national government along with local funding and private sector investment is made in the county.

Applications are available from Delegated Grants Team on 01432 260636 or by visiting www.herefordshire.gov.uk/community_and_living/neighbourhood/1653.asp

The deadline for submitting completed applications is 14th February 2012 .