Grant Funding Available for Community Organisations and Parish Councils helping against Covid-19
- Fund ID:
- S44993
- Status:
- Open for Applications
Grants are available for local charities and community groups supporting local people hit by the social and economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Fund Information
- Funding body:
- Northamptonshire Community Foundation
- Maximum value:
- £ 3,000
- Application deadline:
- None specified
Background
The fund is provided and administered by Northamptonshire Community Foundation.
The continued availability of these grants is dependent on the progress of the fundraising appeal the Foundation is working alongside, which is supported by the National Emergencies Trust and a range of other donors, partners and donations from the general public.
Objectives of Fund
Grants are available for local charities, community organisations and parish and town councils working to support vulnerable people in the community who are at risk as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The Fund currently supports the following key priorities:
- Groups working directly with vulnerable groups or their carers, such as:
- Older people at risk (typically over the age of 70). Especially isolated older people and those living in care settings.
- Vulnerable people with medical conditions, including:
- People with asthma, heart or lung disease or diabetes.
- People who may have a weakened immune system such as those with HIV/AIDS and conditions like motor neurone disease and muscular dystrophy; or people receiving transplants or treatment for cancer.
- People who are isolated and, therefore, have limited support networks.
- Organisations providing direct services and support to people with low or insecure incomes (eg those on universal credit and people working in the so-called ‘gig economy’) and to those working with school-age children in disadvantaged communities where schools have been closed.
Value Notes
Grants of up to £3,000 are available.
Projects must have a total budget of not more than £20,000.
If organisations are providing ongoing support or have incurred costs they hadn’t expected, the Foundation will consider subsequent grant requests. However, applicants should contact the Foundation before applying, to provide an update on their circumstances.
Who Can Apply
Small and locally managed voluntary, community and self-help groups in Northamptonshire are eligible to apply.
Organisations must:
- Have people volunteering to help with the activity, who are not part of the management committee.
- Have a set of written rules or constitution that the group adheres to.
- Have written procedures for keeping young people and/or vulnerable people safe ie a Child Protection or Vulnerable people’s policy.
- Have a suitable group bank account.
Town and parish councils can also apply.
The Foundation wants to support community groups working together, particularly in smaller geographical communities. Therefore, it encourages a partnership approach.
Location
Northamptonshire
Eligible Expenditure
Grants are to support community action to help vulnerable people affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and can be used for a new activity, start-up costs for a new group or service, or building on the good work that the group already does. Revenue and capital funding are eligible.
The Fund currently supports the following key priorities:
- Groups working directly with vulnerable groups or their carers, such as:
- Older people at risk (typically over the age of 70). Especially isolated older people and those living in care settings. (This will be the priority for the first wave of grants.)
- Vulnerable people with medical conditions, including:
- People with asthma, heart or lung disease or diabetes.
- People who may have a weakened immune system such as those with HIV/AIDS and conditions like motor neurone disease and muscular dystrophy; or people receiving transplants or treatment for cancer.
- People who are isolated and, therefore, have limited support networks.
- Organisations providing direct services and support to people with low or insecure incomes (eg those on universal credit and people working in the so-called ‘gig economy’) and to those working with school-age children in disadvantaged communities where schools have been closed.
Funding may also be available to support local charities and community organisations whose operations and finances have been affected so they can recover and continue their activities once the outbreak eases. (Provided that enough donations are received, the Foundation will consider applications for loss of income in a secondary phase of the fund.)
Example projects may include:
- Supply of food/other items to ensure the continuation/expansion of services to meet the needs of vulnerable people.
- Recruitment and support of volunteers to provide additional capacity.
- Rent or other costs relating to a new site or community hub where people can more easily access community support and services.
- Transport costs to enable outreach services, or help people provide local transport.
- Befriending support for people in isolation.
- Equipment and other measures to enable community support to be delivered safely.
Organisations must evidence that they are working safely and adhering to government guidelines on coronavirus (COVID-19).
How To Apply
Applications can be made at any time and will be assessed on a rolling basis, with the aim of processing applications as quickly as possible.
An online application form and guidance notes are available on the Northamptonshire Community Foundation website. Applicants may receive a telephone call from a member of the grants team to help speed up the decision-making process.
Organisations must evidence that they are working safely and adhering to government guidelines on coronavirus (COVID-19).
Payment Procedure
All grants will be paid by BACS.
Useful documents & links
Useful Links
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
- Grants Team
Northamptonshire Community Foundation
18 Albion Place
Northampton
NN1 1UD
Tel: 01604 230033
Email: anthony@ncf.uk.com