Pictured above: Several charities receiving money from the Victoria Centre

Victoria Centre Nottingham launches its 2010 charity support programme this week. Competition for a slice of the fund will be strong, but all East Midlands based registered charities, which support people, are invited to apply for either £500 or £1000.

Previous recipients of the charity fund ensured the money made a real difference in people's lives. A new saddle for disabled riders, room hire for charity meetings, security equipment to make old people feel more secure in their homes were all activities judged to be highly worthy of support.

It is important that the successful charity can also commit to running a promotion in the shopping centre for one day this year to explain to shoppers how the donated money is to be spent. This is a great opportunity to further promote the good cause and Victoria Centre staff can advise on how to stage the event.

The two tier level of funding has been put in place to enable smaller projects to be supported. Victoria Centre considers these to be just as important to the local community as bigger ideas.

Liz Sewell, Marketing Manager for Victoria Centre explains more about how to send in a winning application: "We can only seriously help those projects that can explain in detail exactly how the money will be spent, as general donations to charities will not be considered. The decision on whether to apply for £500 or £1000 really comes down to how much that vital piece of equipment, training that volunteer or providing additional support will cost. The information supplied to us must be an accurate reflection of the true cost".

To apply for funding before Friday 16 July, either download the application form at www.victoriacentre.uk.com/charities or telephone 0115 912 1111.