Bexley is offering its support to local charities, community groups and volunteer organisations who would like to access extra funding during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Our voluntary sector and volunteers are a key element of our response to the pandemic and we are keen to help them in whatever way we can,” said Councillor Alex Sawyer, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities. “We are also aware that the voluntary sector is under significant pressure, responding to extra demand, at a time of increased staff sickness, and that some organisations are also experiencing financial pressures.”
Additional funding opportunities that may help organisations at this time include –
- London Communities Response Fund: The Mayor of London, the City Bridge Trust and other funders have put together a £9m fund to support charities and the voluntary sector during the pandemic. It has already begun releasing funds and you can apply for one or both of the following –
- Wave 1- is open and taking applications up to £5,000 for items such as food, household essentials, mobile phones and data. There is a rolling deadline of Friday each week, with applications being assessed the next week. Information on eligibility and how to apply.
- Wave 2 – is due to be announced by Friday 10 April and will be open to larger bids aimed at funding longer-term solutions for necessary services.
- Sport England : £20m Community Emergency Fund for local sports clubs and community groups who, at least partially, deliver or enable physical activity.
- The Arts Council : Three funds to support individuals and organisations in the culture sector. To apply for round 1, organisations must follow the guidance by 9 April. Round 2 opens on 16 April.
- The National Lottery: All its funding decisions in the next 6 months will prioritise projects responding to the pandemic. Applications for funding will still go through its existing processes, including the Reaching Communities and Heritage Funds.
- Keep up-to-date: Comic Relief, Youth Endowment Fund and Cloth Workers Foundation have all indicated that they will be announcing new funds. The best way to keep up-to-date on these is through their individual websites and newsletters.
If local organisations need more information or support with making an application, they should email communitypartnerships@bexley.gov.uk
Many funders have also relaxed their requirements on grantees’ spending and reporting. The Council is advising all charities, voluntary and community organisations to check with their funders and find out if it is possible to redirect funds as services and needs change.