This is the second year the Loughborough based fuel cell engineering company has offered £100,000 to organisations and causes in the Charnwood area.

David Woolhouse, CEO at Intelligent Energy said: “Some of the groups and organisations we have been able to award funds to are essential to so many people in our local community.

“They can provide a lifeline to people who need support, whether that is in the form of advice and counselling, specialist activities and equipment or simply a place for vulnerable or elderly people to go for a cup of tea. All are important and meet needs of the community in their own way.”

Applications close on 13 March and successful groups will be notified by the end of April.