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Charities and community organisations across the United Kingdom have until 12 November to bid for a share of a £2.33m funding pot to help vulnerable people reduce debt and get the right benefits and tax.

Voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, mutuals and co-operatives can apply.

HMRC is in the third year of funding projects lasting for more than one year. In two years' time the department would expect that the Grant in Aid (GIA) funding programme will have contributed to:

• helping to increase take-up of tax credits and other HMRC products;
• helping more hard-to-reach and vulnerable customers to get the right entitlements and to pay the right amount of tax;
• improving the experience of paying tax for hard-to-reach and vulnerable customers; and
• helping HMRC to gain a better understanding of customers who use the third sector.

The HMRC funding available for 2009/2010 is £1.05m, with another £1.28m available for 2010/2011.

The head of HMRC's third sector team, Derek Tilstone, said:

"Many vulnerable people don't claim benefits that they are entitled to. This money will assist the people who need it most. Our aim is to ensure also that people are made aware of how they can reduce their debts and pay the right tax."

Organisations will be told if their bids have been successful by 19 January 2009.

For the funding guidance check: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vcs/guidance0809.htm