v, the independent charity set up to encourage young people to volunteer, is launching a new funding initiative called vcashpoint for young people in England who want to set up their own community project. All young people aged 16 – 25 are being encouraged to unleash their creativity and turn their ideas for voluntary projects into action.

v, in partnership with HSBC, is investing £1 million in vcashpoint as a 'Match Fund' project, accessing Government funds through a unique scheme which matches up to 100% of private sponsor donations.  vcashpoint will provide grants of up to £2,500 to support young people and get their projects off the ground.

Information and guidance for the scheme is available from the vinspired website, by calling freephone on 0800 089 9000 or by texting 'vcashpoint' to 80010.

A toolkit called 'Outside the Box' has been put together for youth workers to help young people get ideas off the ground. Emma Sparrow, v's Youth Involvement Manager, said: "Youth workers across the country will be using 'Outside the Box to help young people to think creatively. vcashpoint provides a unique opportunity for young people and is a great way of helping to build relationships between them and their local communities."

Application forms will be avilable from 26 March, with applications closing on Tuesday 24 April 2007.

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