Community projects across north and north-east Scotland are to receive a cash injection from the Scottish Government.
Charities and housing trusts are among those set to benefit from a share of the £10.8million People and Communities Fund cash pot.
Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said the money was designed to target “the deep-rooted causes of poverty”.
Some of the projects who will receive the extra funding include Community Food Initiative North East, Highlands Small Communities Trust, Langstane Housing Association and the Horshader Community Development Trust.
Ms Burgess said: “This £10.8 million investment reinforces our commitment to giving communities a stronger voice in the decisions that matter to them.
“The People and Communities Fund recognises that every community in Scotland has different needs and challenges and it is the people who live and work in (these areas) that are best placed to come up with the solutions to address inequalities.
“By funding projects that are providing advice services and training opportunities, we are empowering communities and giving them the support they need to shape their own futures and tackle the deep-rooted causes of poverty.”