Community groups perform important work during any period, but they have been vital in our response to Coronavirus and helping those in need. In turn, it is vital that they are supported in turn.
That is why, this week, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight a number of funds which are available for local groups to apply to.
One of the main sources currently open is the emergency National Lottery grants. These funds are to help our community through COVID-19 and are focusing on funding for organisations supporting people and communities who experience disproportionate challenge and difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
This is for six months’ emergency funding, for small and medium organisations and for between £300 and £100,000. Organisations can apply online at www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.
In addition, the Global Fund for Children (GFC) and The National Lottery Community Fund are partnering to support the creation and delivery of the Phoenix Fund – an initiative that will support small and micro organisations in communities most affected by COVID-19 across England. Organisations can apply online at globalfundforchildren.org/the-phoenix-fund/
The Aviva Community Fund is currently open for around 4 applications until 13 October. Funding applications are open to projects looking to raise up to £50,000. They’ve streamlined the process so that, unlike earlier years, there are no activity categories or funding levels you need to select. If you need any help, they guide you through the process with free toolkits and resources. Organisations can apply online at www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/
The Heart of England Community Foundation has opened a Coronavirus Resilience Fund. The Fund is open fund to constituted groups who are providing, but not limited to: food banks or social eating projects; delivery of emergency food/medicine parcels to those isolated due to the virus; Street Pastors or those engaging in outreach activities; befriending services supporting the elderly or vulnerable through isolation. Organisations can apply online at www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/coronavirus-resilience-fund/
There are a wide range of funds available to community organisations who do tremendous work in our community. If you, or someone you know, is involved in community groups across Solihull then maybe these, or other funds, could help them do more and support more people during this coronavirus outbreak.
