The University of Cambridge Active Community Fund has distributed over £76,000 to local, national and international community projects over the last year.

The Fund, administered by the University's Committee on Community Activities, has benefitted more than 100 community and outreach projects since it was established in 2002.

All the projects supported have educational or social objectives and provide valuable volunteering opportunities to staff and students.

Cambridge Hands-on Science received funding for their 2008 summer roadshow which will take hands-on science experiments to festivals, schools and community centres across the country. The roadshow, which is staffed entirely by student volunteers, encourages members of the public to make water rockets, extract DNA from kiwi fruit and participate in other fun science experiments.

Camvol, an organisation which provides volunteering opportunities for Cambridge students with environmental and development NGOs in India, also received a grant.

Shiraz Vira, Camvol co-ordinator said: "The Active Community Fund has been instrumental in helping establish Camvol by providing initial funding for some of its activities. Volunteering with Camvol will help students gain valuable experience in international development while making a positive contribution to the ongoing development work of the host organisations".

The Fund has also supported the University's Community Sports Scheme, which aims to increase access to sport and exercise for local people, while also providing opportunities for University volunteers to become qualified sports coaches.

Around 8,500 staff and students at the University volunteer each year, and it is estimated that this is worth around £4 million to the community.

The deadline for the next round of funding is 17 October 2008. For more information visit the Fund's website via the sidebar.

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