There is some very good news today on the future of lottery funding for the Isle of Man.
An additional ?1.5 million is being made available for Island projects from the United Kingdom's Big Lottery Fund.
The new money is in addition to the ?360,000 the Manx Lottery Trust receives each year from the Manx Treasury.
It will be distributed over five years, but first the Island must conduct a wide-ranging public survey of its charitable needs.
MLF chairman Neil Bryden says the extra funds are overdue, but the Island has to demonstrate where they will best be spent (play audio file):
The four week online survey began at midnight last night, and you can visit ignition.co.im to contribute to it.
Until now it hasn't been possible for Island projects to apply directly to the Big Lottery Fund.
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
