Following the launch of the Winter Wellbeing campaign the Foundation has teamed up with Solihull Council, adding a new strand to support the region over the dark months ahead.
The Winter Wellbeing & Recovery Fund will support community and grassroots organisations in Solihull who are responding to issues caused by COVID-19.
Grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded focusing on one or more of the following: food or fuel poverty, social isolation, physical or mental health, digital inclusion, supporting self-isolation and finally, organisational resilience and sustainability.
With both parties delighted to have kickstarted this partnership, Solihull Council, have allocated £200,000 to the fund with grants to be delivered later this month.
Forming part of the Foundation’s Winter Wellbeing campaign individuals and businesses can donate online to #DoMoreLocal. Alternatively, the Foundation is asking people to volunteer, donate supplies, check in on vulnerable people and share their stories on social media to spread some positivity this winter.
Throughout the pandemic the Foundation’s response has been second to none; awarding over £4.3m since April 2020. Thanks to a track record of integral community support, donor satisfaction and agile and effective grant programmes SMBC chose Heart of England to administer this vital funding.
Councillor Alison Rolf, Cabinet Member for Stronger and Safer Communities, said:
“This fund is an excellent opportunity to help support the most vulnerable as we recover from the pandemic. The wellbeing of residents of our borough is paramount and, for many, this has taken a hit this year.
“This fund will provide many small grants to community groups which can help alleviate the worst of these pressures, and we’re happy to be in partnership with the Heart of England to get these funds out to those who need them quickly.”
The Foundation is keen to work closely with local authorities across the West Midlands and Warwickshire, it is hoped that this partnership will continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of Community Foundations across the UK.
Tina Costello, Chief Executive at the Heart of England Community Foundation, said:
“We are thrilled that SMBC have chosen to work in partnership with the Foundation to deliver their Winter Well-being and Recovery Fund. The Foundation already delivers programmes within the Solihull Borough so we know this funding will be vital to help support communities through the winter months.
“We look forward to launching the programme and working closely with SMBC to ensure the funds are distributed quickly and efficiently to support those most vulnerable and hope this will lead a strong partnership, both now, and in the future.”
For more information on the Foundation’s Winter Wellbeing campaign please click here.
For more information on working with the Foundation please click here.