(1) The joint scheme provides for the making of grants of not less than £500 and not more than £5,000 to local community groups to support activities—
(a) connected with the arts, sport or the national heritage;
(b) connected or concerned with health, education or the environment; or
(c) to be funded by charitable expenditure (within the meaning of section 44(1) of the 1993 Act).
(2) The purposes of the joint scheme are—
(a) to encourage more people to become involved in local groups and projects by supporting activities which are open and accessible to everyone who wishes to take part;
(b) to encourage the development of skills and creativity by supporting activities which are likely to develop the skills and creativity of those taking part; and
(c) to improve people’s quality of life by supporting projects which improve people’s opportunities, welfare or environment, especially those of persons who are the most disadvantaged in society.