On Tuesday 25 July 2023 Department for Culture Media and Sport announced that charities and community organisations carrying out vital work to help vulnerable people are invited to apply for a major government support package.
- Most vulnerable people in society protected from cost of living with Ā£76 million government support package
- New fund supporting charities and community organisations providing vital services opens today
- Grants targeted at organisations struggling with rising costs and increased demand
- Delivers on Prime Ministerās commitment to support people with cost of living and protect low-income households
Charities and community organisations carrying out vital work to help vulnerable people are today invited to apply for a major government support package worth Ā£76 million. The fund will support frontline charities and community organisations struggling to meet increased demand for their critical services, such as the provision of food, emergency provisions, shelter, safe spaces, warmth and financial or housing advice.
Organisations can apply for grants worth between Ā£10,000 and Ā£75,000 to cover project and core costs, including office rent, utilities, staff and volunteers, from now until the end of March.
āWe recognise this is a tough time for families and businesses across the country, as they face rising prices and higher rents or mortgage payments. And during tough times charity and community organisations are at the heart of society, supporting people struggling through life with care and compassion. To deal with a sharp rise in demand resulting from cost of living pressures, we are supporting charities with Ā£76 million to enable these lifeline services to cope with the increased demand they are facing and continue their good work.ā
Minister for Civil Society Stuart Andrew
Further details on eligibility and the applications process can be found on TheĀ National Lottery Community Fund website, in their role as the intermediary grant maker.
The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund is the first portion of funding from a total pot of Ā£101.5 million announced by the Chancellor at the spring Budget. Charities and community organisations are encouraged to apply for the targeted support, with a focus on small to medium-sized voluntary, community or social enterprise organisations based in England with an annual turnover of between Ā£10,000 and around Ā£1 million. Larger organisations can also apply if they show that they work closely and effectively with local communities as well as fill a gap in essential local services.
Applications will be accepted until midday 16 October 2023 and all funds must be spent by 31 March 2024.
posted 26 July 2023