Four community projects in Bradford, which encourage understanding between the armed forces and the wider community, are to receive grant funding from the Ministry of Defence.

The funding scheme is part of Bradford’s Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership, which means local projects can apply to the MOD for funding ranging from £100 to £250,000.

To date four projects have been approved for a grant, which are: a play scheme programme for children with input from serving Armed Forces personnel; a history club which provides an opportunity to build and swap life skills and an active citizens programme – all open to young people and supported by serving and former members of the Armed Forces community; heating for a community-based snooker club where former service personnel and civilians will be able to meet and enjoy a game together; and an Armed Forces-themed sculpture trail in Baildon.

Now anyone with similar good ideas for projects that would strengthen the ties between the armed forces and the wider community are being asked to get in touch with the Council.

Individuals and groups are asked to submit their grant applications for local projects for consideration by the local Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership by Wednesday, February 13.

The MOD will then make final decisions on successful bids in March.

Funding is for initiatives and projects with ongoing costs, and applicants must demonstrate how they will be sustained when the grant money is spent.

Matched funding is considered essential to the application and this can be in kind as long as the full monetary value is noted on the application form.

The Council’s Armed Forces community champion, Councillor John Ruding, said: “Bradford is proud of the close relationship with the military the city has had for many years, particularly with local regiments.

If you require any advice, assistance or an application form, contact Helen Johnston on (01274) 434401, or Tony Sheeky on (01274) 433559 or by e-mailing tony.sheeky@bradford.gov.uk.

Completed application forms should be returned via e-mail to helen.johnston@bradford.gov.uk or via post to Helen Johnston, Bradford District Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership, Adult Services, Bradford Council, 5th Floor Olicana House, Bradford BD1 5RE.

The MOD is expected to run a further round of bids later this year.