A total of 41 groups and individuals have become the first to receive funding from the National Heritage Board under a new scheme introduced last year to encourage Singaporeans to be more active in researching and documenting the country's heritage.

Close to $1.4 million was awarded to the projects under the Heritage Grant Scheme.

These include one seeking to document the country's school uniforms through photography, and another aiming to revive interest in traditional games such as 'five stones'.

Students, interest groups and companies were among the recipients. For example, the Singapore Council of Women obtained funds for a website and a book to honour the contributions of pioneering women here. A clothing company, AnRawkz, will also be producing a book in association with the Singapore Scout Association to showcase the evolution of Scout badges here.

The $5 million scheme was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in July last year. It will disburse funds till 2016.

Those with good ideas on how to celebrate Singapore's heritage through exhibitions, publications, documentaries or mobile apps may apply for co-funding of up to $30,000. Last November, The Straits Times reported that the scheme had attracted 70 applications within a few months of its launch.