The Port of Dover has announced that its community fund is now open for applications.

The current funding round is open until March 31, and the port's community fund panel will assess the applications.

The majority of successful applications are likely to receive grants of between £2,000 and £10,000.

The advisory panel consists of a number of Dover-based people including former mayor Ronnie Philpott and Roger Knight, who is a member of the Dover Society.

Emma Liddiard, the managing director of Heart Radio who lives near Dover is also on the panel with college lecturer Jack Williams, who has strong Dover links having grown up in the area.

The fund will be managed by Kent Community Foundation (KCF), a leading charity in the county with more than 13 years experience of delivering grant-making programmes on behalf of companies, individuals or foundations.

The management cost associated with the administration of the fund is being covered by the port in addition to its existing financial contribution of £250,000 to launch it and 1% of its pre-tax profits to support it.

Carol Lynch, chief executive of KCF said:“Kent Community Foundation is delighted to be setting up this important new fund for Dover , thanks to the Port of Dover’s significant commitment to the local community.

'Kent Community Foundation is delighted to be setting up this important new fund for Dover.' - Carol Lynch

"We look forward to working with the advisory panel to encourage local groups to make the most of this great source of local support and bring lasting benefit to the Dover community.”

Tim Waggott, chief executive at the port, said: “What a fantastic way to start 2015!

"I am extremely grateful to the KCF for taking on the independent management of the Fund and also to the advisory panel, led by the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover, for its commitment to ensuring that the Fund is used to deliver the greatest benefit for our community.

"I therefore encourage local groups and organisations to start applying in order to make the positive difference the Fund has been set up to create.”

The Right Rev Trevor Willmott added: “The Port of Dover Community Fund can bring hope to young people and to the community of Dover. I and the rest of the panel trust that the community will make full use of this fund. It is our job to ensure that it supports those projects that can make a real, positive and lasting difference to people’s lives.”

To apply for funding from the Port of Dover Community Fund, visit: http://www.kentcf.org.uk/apply/funding-round/#Port of Dover