After launching an urgent appeal last week, Heart of England Community Foundation has received almost £80,000 to support local communities across the region during these unprecedented times. The charity opens its Coronavirus Resilience Fund today, which local community groups and projects can apply for, in order to help ease financial concerns during the current pandemic.
The fund, which was announced by the Foundation last week, will be available to constituted groups providing services such as food banks, social eating projects, emergency food parcel deliveries, and those engaging in outreach activities; all vital for various constituencies within the West Midlands.
So far, £79,900 has been donated towards the fund but in order to make a real difference and to help champion local communities during this international crisis, the charity is hoping to triple this. Having opened an online funding page, the Foundation is eager to receive support from companies and individuals across the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
Tina Costello, Chief Executive at Heart of England Community Foundation, comments:
“The support for our Coronavirus Resilience Fund has been incredible, with almost £80,000 donated in just a few days, but we need more. It’s crucial that we’re able to ensure no local organisations are forgotten and that their work in the community can continue, even more so in times of need like we’re experiencing now.
“We are eager to take action during this pandemic and, whilst I appreciate that some people are tightening their belts due to the uncertainty, this is all about helping our most vulnerable neighbours. We’ve launched the fund today, but this is just the beginning! A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far and I’m hoping that we see more businesses and individuals step forward and support this crucial fund.”
Wesleyan, Coventry Building Society, Harry Payne Fund, Youell Family Fund and Orbit Group are a few of the businesses that have already contributed, but more donations are needed to really make an impact in local communities across the region.
Through this fund, the Foundation will deliver grants of up to £1,500 to support emerging issues in the community related to coronavirus, or projects helping to relieve the sector during this time. Organisations and applicants can complete an application form in order to apply.
To apply to the fund, please click here.
For more information and how to contribute to the fund, please click the button below. Alternatively call 0247 688 4434 or email info@heartofenglandcf.co.uk.