It's almost time for Red Nose Day – and we have £50,000 to give away to celebrate.

Norwich Evening News: Deaftastics members have enjoyed trying white-water rafting and motocross thanks to Red Nose Day Community Cash.Deaftastics members have enjoyed trying white-water rafting and motocross thanks to Red Nose Day Community Cash. (Image: Archant)

Community groups across the city can get their hands on a slice of the cash after the Norwich Evening News teamed up with Comic Relief and the Norfolk Community Foundation.

Sports clubs, children's groups, churches or theatre companies – all are eligible for grants of between £500 and £1,000.

This year's giveaway will mean that, since the initiative was launched in 2010, Comic Relief and the Evening News have given away more than £160,000 to those who need it most.

The giveaway is launched today, ahead of Red Nose Day on March 15.

Tim Williams, development editor of Archant Anglia, the Norwich Evening News's parent company, said: 'This is a wonderful opportunity for groups in Norwich to benefit from Red Nose Day Community Cash grants.

'The money will be used to support more than 50 organisations whose hard work, day in and day out, makes such a difference to the people of Norwich.

'Every day, the pages of our newspaper carry articles about groups which improve people's lives and strengthen community spirit, and this is a chance for them to get well-deserved additional funding.'

Mr Williams will be on the panel which decides which groups receive the grants, and urged as many groups and organisations as possible to apply.

'Last year, 52 groups were given funds to continue doing their great work,' he said. 'Comic Relief is an inspirational charity with a superb record of identifying and helping those in need across the country. We are delighted that we can once again help it here in Norwich.'

Sue Wicks, UK grants manager, said: 'Comic Relief is delighted to be working with the Norwich Evening News and offering Red Nose Day Community Cash once again to local groups in Norwich.

'We've funded some truly inspiring projects in the city in previous years. We know from our long experience of grant making in communities all over the UK that local groups can make a huge impact at the heart of their communities with a small amount of money.

'Thanks to these groups, money raised through Red Nose Day can make a real difference where it's needed most. I urge as many groups as possible to get their applications in now for their chance to get a grant from the £50,000 on offer.'

To qualify for one of the grants, which range between £500 and £1,000 groups must be within the Norwich City Council local authority area, work in a disadvantaged or deprived area of Norwich and have an income of less than £1,000.

Among those eligible for the Red Nose Day Community Cash are parent and toddler groups, lunch clubs, carers support bodies and music groups.

People in Norwich are also being urged to play their part in Red Nose Day and 'do something funny for money' as Comic Relief celebrates 25 years.

Since the last Red Nose Day, more than £2.5 million has been spent on 254 projects across the East of England.

Celebrities will again lead the way this year, with singer Jessie J shaving her head, chef Mary Berry leading the Great Comic Relief Bake-off and UEA graduate Greg James part of a team battling down the Zambezi river to Victoria Falls.

Boy band One Direction are recording the official Comic Relief single, a cover of Blondie's One Way or Another.

Jessie J said: 'Shaving my head for charity is something I've promised to do for a long time and Comic Relief has given me the opportunity to try and raise as much money as possible for good causes by doing it.'

She added: 'I won't deny that I'm nervous but I am also honoured to be part of this year's campaign.

'Together with help from the UK public, we are on a mission to raise more money than ever before for Red Nose Day. So come on Norfolk, let's do it!'

The money raised will be spent by Comic Relief to transform lives in Norwich, across the rest of the UK and in Africa.

Fundraising ideas, hints and tips are available at www.rednoseday.com

HOW TO APPLY:

You can apply online at http://tinyurl.com/65fqx3h

If you are unable to apply online, or have any queries, contact the grants team on 01603 623958 or email grants@norfolkfoundation.com for assistance. The closing date for applications Red Nose day, March 15.