Kick It Out, footballs anti- racism campaign, and the Football Foundation, the UK's largest sporting charity, are offering a series of grants to community groups who want to use football to tackle exclusion.

The 'Community Chest' grants are available to groups across Britain as part of the forthcoming national anti- racism week of action in football during October.

Last year 40 grants, each for a sum up to £1000, were awarded to groups ranging from refugee organisations to fans groups.

Projects awarded the cash in the past have included drama productions, youth forums, photography projects, educational programmes and anti- racism themed football tournaments.

The week of action will take place between the 13th - 25th October, coinciding with Black History Month and the Islamic holy period, Ramadan, to celebrate the positive contribution made to football by black, Asian and other ethnic minorities, whilst keeping up the challenge to racism in the game.

Piara Powar, Director of Kick It Out, said "Each year the Community Chest grants have proven highly successful in helping to build relationships with individuals and groups from minority communities. It's a small sum of money that nevertheless can go to making a huge difference in local communities."

"We've had some remarkably innovative and effective ideas being developed to engage those who are often the hardest to reach."

Community Chest Grants are available in all areas of the UK.

Advice on applying for the cash is available from Kick It Out and application forms can be downloaded from www.kickitout.org

* The deadline for applications is the 31st August 2005.