The Big Lottery Fund and ITV have teamed up to run an exciting new programme that will give Lottery funding to projects that benefit local communities.

On 3 June 2005 they launched the first part of the People's Millions programme: a competition for 50 grants of up to £50,000 in 2005. These grants will fund projects that will improve the quality of life of local communities through transforming the local environment-buildings, amenities, public and green spaces, and the natural environment. A wide range of organisations can enter the competition.

The competition is now closed for 2005, but will reopen in spring 2006 and there will be further opportunities to enter in 2007.

A shortlist of the best regional projects entered this year, including the Moray Arts Centre,  will be showcased on ITV regional news programmes in autumn 2005. From 31 October to 4 November viewers will vote for the projects they think should win the money in their area, giving people a real say through phone, text and online voting.

The winners will be announced on Monday 7 November.