About 70 community-led schemes and charities have been given a share of the cash from the Leicestershire County Council Big Society fund.
Grants awarded include £15,000 for the Melton Town Estate to redevelop the Asfordby Road sports ground in the town. The organisation wants to add a caravanning site and tennis courts while refurbishing the existing buildings.
The county council launched the fund last year. It aims to help people to improve their neighbourhoods and villages as part of the Government's Big Society programme, which encourages people to take responsibility and use their initiative to improve their area.
County council deputy leader and Big Society champion Nick Rushton said he was "delighted" 70 groups would be using the cash to "make a real difference to communities across the county".
Bids are now being taken for the next round of grants, which can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand.
To submit a bid for a slice of the funding for 2012/13, visit: www.leics.gov.uk
Courtesy of Leicester Mercury