By Alok Sharma,                                                                                                Secretary of State for International Development

British Asian communities across the UK have a strong – and inherent – desire to help others. We are motivated by the will to do good and to give others a chance to thrive, both here in the UK and around the world.

Both as a constituency MP and as International Development Secretary, I am very aware of how British Asians are striving tirelessly and selflessly to support UK charities delivering assistance in developing countries.

This fantastic work is helping to reduce poverty around the world and is making a real difference to people’s lives.

That is why I am delighted to announce an opportunity for those small international development charities to get a UK aid boost.

The Department for International Development’s Small Charities Challenge Fund launched last week (Thurs 5th). It offers development charities across the UK a chance to apply for grants of up to £50,000 to help in their work supporting the poorest people around the world.

This money will also make a huge difference in their ability to deliver on the frontline.

The successful pilot of this scheme committed £3.5 million to 74 small charities delivering a diverse range of projects, such as the Rosie May Foundation which is supporting victims of and people vulnerable to human trafficking in Nepal.

The Hertfordshire-based charity, Carers Worldwide, is another example of where this money has already had a meaningful impact.

The charity, run by Anil Patil, supports unpaid carers in Nepal, Bangladesh and India, who are looking after members of their families with chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Anil and his team are offering these carers emotional support and healthcare. The charity is also helping them generate a sustainable and independent income, which is a huge boost to carers living below the poverty line. This is making a real difference to people’s lives and I am proud my Department supports their incredibly valuable work.

If you have a small charity like Carers Worldwide that is working to support the world’s poorest people, then I encourage you to apply to the Small Charities Challenge Fund. Alongside funding, we offer specialist support and advice to make the application process straightforward.

Together, through UK aid, we can ensure the strong desire of British Asian communities to help others around the world can go even further.

To apply for an SCCF grant, and for more information, go towww.ukaiddirect.org/apply/sccf/