A new website has been established to help voluntary organisations secure government funding.

The new portal offers details of all government grants available to community groups from the Home Office, the Department of Health, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department for Education and Skills, totalling £182 million.

Users will be able to download application forms for funding, sign up to email bulletins offering the latest updates on grants and receive help and advice on how to apply.

Further changes to the site are planned for early 2004, which will include a database of applicant organisation profiles, an online application facility and local information.

"This single portal is part of a more modern relationship between government and the voluntary and community sector," said Home Office minister Fiona Mactaggart.

"Organisations will be able to get better information more easily. Details of £182 million of grants can now be found in one place.

"The website will enable government departments to coordinate information, reduce complication and communicate very directly with the sector.

"The government and the sector are developing a positive, modern partnership to deliver high quality public services. This website is an important step in that direction."