More than 160 community and voluntary groups have applied for a share of a £1million fund to support the most vulnerable across the county.
We launched the Communities Fund last week to ensure that voluntary organisations can continue to carry out vital work, despite the impact coronavirus is having on their finances.
The first awards are set to be announced later this week and groups are still being urged to apply for the Leicestershire Communities Fund. To find out more and apply, visit: leicestershirecommunities.org.uk
I’m delighted by the huge response to the Communities Fund so far and it shows that volunteers and groups want to continue making a difference.
“It’s never been more important for communities to band together and support each other. And it’s crucial that their work not only continues but groups are able to step up activities to support vulnerable people and those isolating.
“This fund enables people to stay safe by staying at home and ultimately, saves lives. I’d like to thank our volunteers and community groups for their fantastic work and I would encourage those who haven’t yet to visit the website to find out more.
Person:Nick Rushton, Leader of the county council
Charities, constituted voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises can apply for a maximum of £25,000 for support with the following activities:
- Support for core running costs for up to six months - for organisations that primarily focus on supporting vulnerable people and that have experienced a loss of income due to services closing or operating at a reduced level and where this may lead to the permanent closure of the organisation
- Extra staffing for up to six months - capacity required to meet existing, current or increased demand for services, to support vulnerable people during the crisis
- Adapting services - the need to rapidly adapt current service delivery models to maintain contact with service users
- Equipment - funding for essential ICT, safety (such as PPE) or other essential equipment
- Transport - funding for use of vehicles, transport, fuel etc. to enable visits to service users
- Expenses - funding for increased expenses costs such as reimbursing travel costs for staff/volunteers who need to visit service users, if it safe to do so, in their home or in other locations.
- Other - anything else deemed acceptable in relation to the criteria for the fund
Find out more and apply online at: leicestershirecommunities.org.uk or send an email to: LeicestershireCommunities@leics.gov.uk