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The Strengthening ´óÐãÊÓƵ Fund will help alleviate a range of needs throughout ´óÐãÊÓƵ and is inviting local businesses and donors to get involved; it will open to applications from early September, with funding delivered in December.

The aim of the new Fund is to support disadvantaged local communities which are continuing to experience the ongoing effects of cost-of-living, by delivering help for a wide range of projects via charities, community groups and social enterprises.

The priority areas of Strengthening ´óÐãÊÓƵ include supporting with cost-of-living, reducing loneliness and isolation and helping people stay safe and well in their communities. 

Types of projects which could be funded include community fridges/food banks; setting up/expanding local social groups or training staff/volunteers to deliver advice and support to disadvantaged groups.

The programme will welcome applications from charities and community groups of all kinds with grants of up to £5,000; larger organisations and innovative projects with wider impacts can bid for funding of up to £10,000.

Strengthening ´óÐãÊÓƵ is offering an exciting match funding opportunity for ´óÐãÊÓƵ’s businesses and donors to get involved and support their local communities. 

The Fund aims to raise a total of £200,000, with every £1 donated matched 1:1 by ´óÐãÊÓƵ County Council, doubling the impact of the programme. By making a donation, businesses and individuals will double their money, so maximising the available funding.

Director of ´óÐãÊÓƵ Community Foundation Lucy Wells stated: ‘We are delighted to be working with the Council on this new programme to support ´óÐãÊÓƵ’s most needy areas. We urge businesses, charitable funders and individual donors to take the opportunity to get involved so that together we can double the funding to help strengthen ´óÐãÊÓƵ’s invaluable charitable sector. We are also grateful to Herefordshire and ´óÐãÊÓƵ Chamber of Commerce for their support in raising awareness of the Fund in the business community.’

Hannah Perrott, Assistant Director for Communities ´óÐãÊÓƵ with ´óÐãÊÓƵ County Council commented: ‘This is a unique programme which will help many people in local communities. We are really pleased to be working with the Community Foundation to develop this innovative approach to joint funding with the private sector.’

For more information on the Strengthening ´óÐãÊÓƵ Fund or ´óÐãÊÓƵ Community Foundation please contact Lucy Wells, Director by emailing lucy.wells@worcscf.org.uk 

For more information on ´óÐãÊÓƵ County Council and their funding opportunities go to the Community Services Directory webpages.