Charities in London are being urged to bid for £20,000 being made available by organisers of the Formula E World Championship for electric cars.

It is inviting charities to bid for the grant through its Better Futures Fund as part of its commitment to back good causes in cities hosting races.

A total of £229,000 is being made available, with £20,000 available for a charity in each location the global championship takes place.

This sum is an increase on last year’s total inaugural funding pot of £83,000 which supported good causes in four cities to host a race.

Its Better Future Fund is part of Formula E’s social impact strategy, called Formula Equity, to tackle social inequalities and support diverse communities.

This year’s funding pot will also be used for charities involved in protecting the environment, improving air quality in urban areas and helping communities become more sustainable.

Rolling deadlines for expression of interest have been set, including a date of November 4 for charities in London, Jakarta, Berlin and Shanghai.

“We’re delighted to be expanding our Better Futures Fund to all cities this upcoming season, following the immediate and lasting impact it has created in four race markets…benefitting more than 13,500 people,” said Formula E vice president of sustainability Julia Pallei.

“Our mission as a championship is not just to leave each location where we race better off, but for our impact to have meaningful, measurable and lasting benefits.

“We recognise that underserved and more diverse communities are often most affected by climate change, so by supporting charities and projects that focus on environmental protection and improving air quality we can help those most in need.”

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