Voluntary and community groups who are providing support for vulnerable residents during the Covid-19 pandemic can now apply for grants of up to £10k from a new council fund.
Launched today, Croydon Council’s Voluntary and Community Sector Covid-19 Emergency Fund aims to strengthen the many local groups who have come forward to help their communities in this time of need.
The council has been working in close partnership with Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) to co-ordinate the effort from thousands of volunteers and ensure that all those who need it receive support, from food deliveries to social care, with no-one left behind.
Across Croydon voluntary and community organisations have responded to the pandemic in a huge range of ways, with the Asian Resource Centre, BME Forum and Croydon Neighbourhood Care Association all offering help.
They have redesigned existing services and created new ones to continue supporting vulnerable residents during the lockdown.
However many voluntary organisations are also ineligible for the government packages of support that is being offered for individuals and businesses.
The new council fund will give these organisations, who are facing financial challenges, help to continue their work in responding directly to the pandemic, above and beyond their normal activities.
The maximum bid amount is £10,000 for established organisations, and up to £5,000 for new smaller-scale or informal groups, with no minimum.
It can only be used to meet the costs of delivering services directly to residents of Croydon in response to Covid-19. Types of costs could include, but are not limited to:
- Purchasing additional supplies, such as food, containers, PPE
- Supporting volunteer expenses
- Additional staffing costs to coordinate community action.
Details of the fund, and other support available for the sector can be found on our webpage.
“Covid-19 has created an unprecedented situation for our communities in Croydon. Our voluntary and community groups are a crucial part of the extraordinary effort being made to provide vital support for people who need it most right now.
“We are so thankful for this and want to make sure there are no barriers in their way and want this funding to help them continue their incredible work.”
Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities