14 new grants totalling $2 million to a variety of charities and not-for-profit organisations on the Island.

Receiving the grants were Age Concern for an information and education centre for seniors; Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo for its museum development project; Bermuda Sea Cadet Association for the renovation of its headquarters; Panatel VDS Ltd./Brimstone Media for the production of a Bermuda history book marking the Millennium and beyond; CARE Computer Services for its scholarship fund; and Diversity Institute of Bermuda for its diversity management programme.

Other recipients were Friends of the Bermuda Library for its Millennium book project; St. Anne's Church for restoration work; Saltus for its Centennial Trust art suite project; Southampton Glebe for its Centennial Trust play station, Adult Education School for its renovation project; Centre on Philanthropy for a new charities resource centre; Theatre Boycott 1959 Video Project; and Warwick Academy for a new sports hall.

Bank vice president and trust manager David Lang said: "It is pleasing to once again be able to fund such a diverse group of worthwhile projects that will benefit a large cross-section of our community.

"There are an incredible number of charities on the Island, and we only wish we could financially support all of their wonderful, creative projects. We look forward to receiving more applications in the future.'' Bank of Bermuda's Centennial Trust recipients are selected through a quarterly application process, which must include background on the organisation, the name of the project for which the money will be used, the focus, objective and beneficiary of the project, as well as the budget -- including operation and maintenance of the facility -- and timing of the project.

Projects are considered by the trust if they are dedicated to a non-profit or charitable cause, and are for a significant, non-recurring project which must be of long-term benefit to Bermuda and her people.

Trust donations are normally in excess of $25,000.

The next application deadline is September 29 and forms can be collected from any Bank of Bermuda branch.

Gift giver: Bank of Bermuda vice president and Centennial Trust manager David Lang.