Today, Aviva is launching the 2016 Aviva Community Fund, offering a helping hand to local communities across the UK* by providing support and funding for inspirational local causes.

Now in its second year, the competition invites members of the local community to submit an idea that will make a difference to their local group or charity, with the chance to secure funding ranging from up to £1,000 - £25,000.

The company says that with thirty-nine sites around the UK it has a large presence in many local communities and therefore has a strong interest in both supporting and giving back to these communities.

Aviva sees providing funding for local groups and charities as a means of helping make a difference to local communities, with new research revealing that almost half (47%) of Britons believe that a lack of funding for local organisations is a real concern for their community's wellbeing.

To mark the launch, Aviva has collaborated with one of the world's most celebrated photographers, Martin Parr, to unveil a new collection of images that offer Parr's unique perspective on British community life in 2016.

From urban Camden to a rural village in South Wales, Community Spirit – a digital exhibition by Martin Parr provides a chronicle of modern-day communities across the UK. In Parr's distinct style, the photographs bring to life the inspiring work done by some of the local groups that were awarded funding by Aviva last year.

Lindsay Forster, UK & Ireland Customer Marketing Director for Aviva, commented: "We are passionate about improving and strengthening local community wellbeing and committed to extending our impact, working with our customers, shareholders and society to tackle challenges faced every day. The online exhibition by Martin Parr exemplifies our Good Thinking, generating awareness for the often unseen, always inspiring work of community groups.

"Following its success in Canada, Poland and the UK*, where we saw over 3,321 local groups enter the competition last year with over 430 awarded funding, we've expanded the Aviva Community Fund to France, Italy and Hong Kong. I am sure the Aviva Community Fund in 2016 will exceed our expectations".

Martin Parr, photographer, added: "Throughout my career I've travelled all over the UK, capturing the hidden stories and the beauty in the ordinary and everyday. Community Spirit was an exciting project because it gave me access to the extraordinary work undertaken by groups that are the fabric of their local community. My job when I go to these events is to capture what's going on. I try to capture a sense of the atmosphere and excitement that you feel when you’re with these groups".

Entries for the Aviva Community Fund are now open at www.aviva.co.uk/community-fund. Winners will be awarded funding in January 2017.

* The UK, for the purposes of the Aviva Community Fund, comprises of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Northern Isles. This is different to the geographic definition of the UK.