Community Learning Awards 2006

Citizens Online and Microsoft are joining forces for a fourth year to bring you The Microsoft Community Learning Awards (MCLA), recognising communities and charities that promote IT skills and access to those that might not have the same chances as others.

This year they are making grants of £2,500 plus essential IT software to the 30 winning entrants.

Who is eligible?
The awards are available to all community groups and registered charities throughout the UK that are seeking funding for IT skills projects for disadvantaged young people and adults in their area.

This is your opportunity to tell us how your community group would benefit from the grant and how it could help your community - with only 30 grants available and 400 expected entries, the more innovative your project, the better likelihood you have of winning an award!

Last year's winners on the road to success Last year's winners spanned a broad range of charitable groups who are all using MCLA support to improve life for those in their local community:

• Young parents moving on up in Bristol: Hartcliffe & Withywood Teenage Parents Project, a project aimed to advance the education and training of young parents to provide for their personal, social and educational development in Bristol.
• A guiding hand for the visually impaired in Norfolk: The Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB), an association in Norfolk, which provides care, accommodation and recreational facilities to over 17,000 people with poor sight in the local area.

How to apply:

Eligible groups can download an application form from the awards website
(www.ukcommunityawards.com) which will involve providing details about their organisation and the proposed project.

The deadline for applications is 27 September and winners will be notified in mid-November.