London mayor Boris Johnson has launched a new £4m fund, which aims to support projects that use sport to help tackle a range of social issues across the capital, such as crime and unemployment.

Community organisations will be able to apply for funding until 1 October as part of the mayor's efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of Londoners, as well as helping to drive up participation. Successful bids will receive between £50,000 and £250,000 over a two-year period, judged on three criteria: supporting 'at risk' adults between the ages of 16-25 years old; increasing participation; and community development.

The first round of bidding for funding support is expected to provide support to 12 schemes totalling £2m, with a second bidding round planned for 2011. Johnson said: "As well as helping young people stay healthy, [sport] can provide immense mental stimulation and as such help tackle issues such as crime, educational underachievement and a lack of community cohesion.

"With the greatest sporting spectacular, the 2012 Games, soon upon us, we must not lose sight of our promise to deliver a genuine grass-roots sporting legacy for all Londoners, including those who need our help the most."