The Community Investment Fund is split between all 12 council wards in Perth and Kinross.

Projects that will be eligible for a grant can include community management of a facility, developing an outdoor area for community use or new ways of tackling poverty and inequality.

Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Murray Lyle said: “The PK Offer is our commitment to work with communities to deliver the services they require and improve the lives of residents.

“The Community Investment Fund demonstrates this in action: whether it is the creation of a new community space or providing funding for training to help combat social isolation, the money can be used in a variety of ways to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“This investment will empower communities and I am sure the money will be used to support a range of fantastic projects.”

Each ward will receive £25,000 with the remaining £300,000 split between them on a per capita basis. In previous years the average award was £6000.

Projects that have benefited from Community Investment Fund grants in the past include The Care and Wellbeing Co-operative in Highland Perthshire. It used a grant to pay for training for staff to tackle social isolation amongst elderly residents living in rural areas.

The Cargill and Burrelton Community Hub received funding to provide laptops, Wi-Fi and other equipment to support its work.

The Fund opened for applications on Monday 14 June and will close on 3 September.

Applications can be made online via the Community Investment Fund page on the Perth & Kinross Council website.