Local groups with green ambitions could pick up a £10,000 grant to help them reach their goals, after The Green Insurance Company launched its Green Grants initiative for a second year.

The company offers one grant of up to £10,000 for a special project which will make a real difference to the environment, with the remaining £30,000 available in grants of up to £2,000.

A panel of environmental experts including representatives from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, Glasgow University, the RSPB and The National Trust for Scotland will review applications. The projects receiving grants of up to £2,000 will get the good news in January 2012, when three of the best applications in the £10,000 category will be shortlisted for a public vote to decide which organisation will receive the one-off grant. For further information on Green Grants and full eligibility criteria visit www.greeninsurancecompany.co.uk/giving. The deadline for applications is November 30.