The Ministry of Community Affairs and Sport presented the first set of Grass Roots Grants yesterday.

The Ministry set aside $150,000 in this year's Budget to provide assistance to community groups and small organisations.

Yesterday 11 groups received $110,500. The grants were provided to organisations that requested financial assistance from the Ministry. Mr. Butler said he personally reviewed each request to ensure that money was being allocated to deserving organisations.

The Bermuda Drumming Association received a total of $15,000 so it could hire an overseas instructor and set up Drumming Camps to promote the activity and encourage students to become involved in the group.

Filmmaker Lucinda Spurling, of Afflare Films, was awarded $3,000. Ms Spurling recently produced a feature length documentary about Cahows, which opened to rave reviews at the Bermuda International Film Festival.

The Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, which participates in Bermuda Day parades, was awarded $3,000.

An organisation that provides provides SAT assistance for boys, known as the School Boy Programme, was awarded $20,000.

Other organisations that were awarded grants from the Ministry are Eddie Ming's Drum School, LookBermuda,The Bermudians African Dance Company, Danji Productions, Adlev Entertainment Productions, United Dance Productions and the Sports Management Action Committee.

More grants will be awarded later in the year.