Great response by community groups for new funding - but there is still more available for Harborough groups

Leicestershire County Council launched its Communities Fund to ensure voluntary organisations can battle on
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Over 160 community and voluntary groups have applied for a share of a new £1million fund to support the most vulnerable in the county.

Leicestershire County Council launched its Communities Fund to ensure voluntary organisations can battle on - despite the impact the coronavirus is having on their finances.

The first awards are set to be announced by the authority later this week.

Leicestershire County Council's headquarters.Leicestershire County Council's headquarters.
Leicestershire County Council's headquarters.

And groups are still being urged to apply for the Leicestershire Communities Fund.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/leicestershire-communities-fund Cllr Nick Rushton, the county council’s leader, said: “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.”

He added: “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.

“I would encourage those who haven’t yet to visit the website to find out more.”

Charities, constituted voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises can apply for a maximum £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