Community Foundation launches Coronavirus Community Fund

15 Mar 2020

Joining the wave of generosity that the coronavirus is provoking from communities across Northern Ireland, the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has opened a fund for charitable groups supporting older people and dealing with emerging issues from Coronavirus. 

Coronavirus presents a significant challenge for communities in Northern Ireland, as well as globally. Current analysis shows that those most likely to be affected by social isolation and serious illness caused by the virus are the elderly, compared to other demographic age groups. 

In recognition of the emerging threat particularly to older people; and the great contribution that communities are already offering, the Community Foundation has developed a Coronavirus Community Fund

The fund will offer grants of £1,000 however, we will consider applications for up to £2,500 of emergency funding to community organisations working with older people (aged 50 and over) to help them to deliver support around emerging issues relating to the virus.  We are aiming for a speedy turnaround with successful groups receiving funding within a week.   

Andrew McCracken, CEO Community Foundation “We are delighted that we can be responsive and provide further support to communities who are already taking a proactive approach to this emergency. Coronavirus presents a range of challenges for everyone, especially older people, and we want to join the ‘viral kindness’ that we can already see breaking out, supporting communities to make an impact.”   

The fund will open Monday 16th March, 9.00 am. Groups wishing to apply for funding please click here. 

If you would like to contribute to this fund and support the people and organisations that are dealing with those most critically affected by the virus, you can make your donation here or contact shealy@communityfoundationni.org