A charity which helps the British Asian Community contribute to social change in India is among the new projects sharing a £5.5m Government funding boost.

The Asian Foundation for Philanthropy (AFP) has a long history of delivering a positive impact through their volunteering scheme and has impressed the Department of International Development with their engagement skills with the British Asian Community.

Minister for International Development, Shahid Malik said, "This is the latest in DFID's drive to involve British people from all walks of life in tackling poverty in developing countries."

"We trade more and more with people from all over the world so it is important that we understand how our actions and choices affect the lives of others and how we can make a difference by getting involved.

"The AFP's project to encourage Asian business owners increase trade links with India and commit to socially responsible business practice will have a huge impact on raising the development message.

"These projects will engage and harness the enthusiasm and knowledge of people of all ages into helping alleviate the grinding poverty that affects millions throughout the world."

The Development Awareness Fund (DAF) will back 26 new projects designed to help more people - from schoolchildren to community and faith groups - get personally involved in fighting global poverty.