Posted on 1st Oct
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Covid-19 Community Fund, which has awarded more than £673,000 to 249 organisations, is coming to a close after six months of supporting vulnerable residents impacted by the pandemic through charities, voluntary groups, parish and town councils.
However, help is still there from the county through the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Fund, which is continuing to provide help and financial assistance to projects.
County council leader, Coun Kay Cutts, said: “The Community Fund played a key part in the council’s response to supporting communities during the coronavirus outbreak. It focused on the more immediate issue of helping our most vulnerable residents who were unable to get out and about.
“I’m proud of the way this fund, and the hard work and dedication of volunteers, made a real difference to people’s lives and helped thousands of residents get through a very tough time.”
Local groups allocated funding have praised the Community Fund. Among those helped in Newark and Sherwood was Newark and Sherwood CVS, which received £8,545.
Earlier this summer, the Government allocated a £858,000 grant from the £63m Local Authority Emergency Assistance Fund to the county council.
The Local Authority Emergency Assistance Fund builds on the COVID-19 Community Fund and aims to support Nottinghamshire residents who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to the economic impact caused by Covid-19.
The council has already administered £76,880 from the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Fund to 11 groups that are providing essential help and support to local people.
Coun Cutts added: “Building on the council’s continued support for communities, the Emergency Assistance grant funding aims to help address the economic toll this terrible pandemic has taken, leaving many families struggling to afford food.
“The Emergency Assistance Fund remains open to groups up and down the county who continue to work tremendously hard to support vulnerable members of our communities.”
Established local charities and voluntary groups, including faith-based organisations, as well as district, borough or parish or town councils taking an active role in responding to the urgent needs of Nottinghamshire residents can apply to the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Fund.
Eligible projects that fall into categories such as food banks, soup kitchens, food and shopping delivery will be prioritised.
To check the eligibility criteria and apply, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/assistancefund
