£40,000 community fund available to assist North Kesteven community groups combatting impacts of Covid-19

Grants will also be available to support financial resilience so organisations can tackle the longer term impact of Covid-19. Eligible groups can apply for up to £5,000 to support ongoing and future needs of vulnerable people. Successful projects might include those that address: loneliness and isolation, mental health support, financial hardship (employment or benefits advice), digital exclusion, telephone befriending, etc. Applicants are able to include a request for a contribution towards equipment, digital resources, volunteer training and expenses, counselling support, staff salaries to name but a few. Priority will be given to groups who support one or more of the following groups of people: older people, families with young children, people with physical or learning disabilities, people with mental health needs and people on low income. Voluntary and community organisations who have been vetted by Lincolnshire Council for Voluntary Services as part of the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum co-ordinated response are eligible for these grants. Also, registered charities, constituted groups and community interest companies that have a governing document, accounts, bank account and relevant policies and procedures. They must be operating within and positively impacting upon residents and communities in North Kesteven. Foundation staff are on hand to give advice at every stage of the application process. The closing date for receipt of applications is February 12 and decisions will be notified within four weeks. To obtain an application form or to chat about your project, contact Sue Fortune on 01529 305825 or download details from the grants page at lincolnshirecf.co.uk Coun Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said he was pleased the council had been able to partner with the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, giving a pot of £40,000 for voluntary and community groups to bid into. “One of the most striking aspects of 2020 was the manner in which caring individuals and community-minded groups pulled together in order to protect and provide for those most in need. “Together, we’ve been responding to the pandemic’s challenges on our communities for more than 300 days and whilst pressures have ebbed and flowed, the need for local support mechanisms to help at a grassroots level has not abated. Such actions are keeping the most vulnerable safe, secure and shielded and I thank everyone engaged in this way.” Coun Sally Tarry, NKDC Executive Board member for community initiatives, said “The response of the voluntary sector has been incredible and we want to support their ongoing efforts as much as we can to keep those who remain vulnerable safe, well and connected both now and in the coming months.” Sue Fortune, Joint CEO at Lincolnshire Community Foundation said: “By working in partnership with NKDC we hope to extend our reach and support community groups across the district. We are a local funder working hard to identify local not for profit groups and encourage them to get in touch to see whether we can help in their fight against this dreadful virus.” For any group seeking validation with the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum the following information is required: group namel; postal address; area of operation; capability offer (what they can do); primary and secondary contacts including phone and email; number of volunteers; permission to share details with wellbeing services and/or connect to support – they can choose either or both but as a minimum the wellbeing service. Groups will receive access to a community drive containing guidance, information, briefing documents and latest information from the government. They will also be required to complete and return an indemnity insurance form which will enable them to help their communities. The email address to use is Resilientlincs@lincoln.fire-uk.org