Criteria Broadened for Coronavirus Fund in Northern Ireland

Criteria Broadened for Coronavirus Fund in Northern Ireland

The Community Foundation Northern Ireland has announced that it is extending the scope of its Coronavirus Community Fund to include projects supporting:

Those at increased risk, particularly in relation to poor mental health and wellbeing.

Vulnerable isolated people and families, particularly those living in rural areas.

Projects benefitting older people (aged over 50) continue to be eligible for funding under the scheme as well.

Furthermore, in addition to grants of between £1,000 and £2,500 for organisations who are providing small scale emergency support, the Foundation is now also making grants of up to £10,000 available for organisations who are providing support on a longer-term basis and/or are significantly enhancing their services.

Examples of projects that can be supported under the scheme include:

Enabling older people to access a nutritious meal by connecting them to services providing groceries, and/or ready-made meals.

Enabling and encouraging isolated people of all ages to use and access technology to keep them connected to the outside world.

Remote befriending schemes for those isolated, and in need of support.

Social prescribing initiatives, in line with government guidance around isolation and social distancing. Developing online projects and volunteering opportunities, such as arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of exercise activities.

Provision of enhanced counselling support services, providing they are offered in line with government advice and guidance around social distancing.

Projects that build social networks, in line with current guidance around isolation and social distancing, and that may further develop once this period of isolation has ended.

Projects supporting those at risk, for example those suffering from domestic violence, children at risk; providing the project is supporting those most in need, in line with government advice and guidance.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; however, applications might close within a short space of time if demand exceeds the funding available.

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.