Charities Minister, Paul Goggins, has announced that voluntary organisations with a “proven track record” will be given the opportunity to apply for unrestricted grants, and represent the voluntary and community sector at a national level, under the Home Office Active Communities Unit’s latest strategic funding round.

The grants represent over £10 million for voluntary sector and other not-for-profit organisations which demonstrate the ability to use their practical experience to influence the national debate on volunteering. Organisations have until 25 November to apply for the grants, with successful applicants expected to work closely with the Home Office to “provide a national voice” for the voluntary and community sector.

Goggins said: “I want to develop long-term strategic partnerships with the voluntary and community sector and these grants will help us achieve that. In the past there have been too many short-term arrangements which lead to uncertainty and do not generate the level of impact we want to see.

“The time is right to move to longer-term contracts with groups who can speak up for the sector and provide leadership in the debate around volunteering and charitable giving.”

More information on the grants and application criteria is available at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/communities/grants-funding. Applicants can also call the Home Office helpline on 020 7035 0555.