Charities urged to apply for funds before cut off

Charities and community groups in the Channel Islands are being urged to apply for grants from a community fund before its application deadline at the end of this month.
The last day to apply for support of up to £2,500 from the Channel Islands Coop Community Fund is 30 April, organisers said.
Mark Cox, CEO of the Channel Islands Coop, said the fund "helps bring ideas to life that make a genuine impact in our Islands".
A spokesperson for Finni's Ark, an animal sanctuary in Jersey which received funding in 2022, said the team owed "a massive thank you for this helping hand - we really do appreciate it".
'Benefit the local community'
The charity, which also provides animal therapy visits, received £500 towards buying a van to transport therapy animals to care homes and schools.
The Coop said most awards were between £500 and £1,000, while it could award up to £2,500.
It said projects must "benefit the local community or environment on-island".
A spokesperson said previous recipients included initiatives tackling social isolation, improving mental health and enhancing green spaces.
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