The Community Foundation receives £100,000 from National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal

30 Mar 2020

The National Emergencies Trust (NET) has announced the first allocation of nearly £2.5m going out to front line charities to help those most in need. £100,000 of the funds, will be distributed through the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. NET was set up last year in response to recommendations by the Charity Commission, following a series of UK emergencies in 2017, the charity distributes public donations to areas of need across the UK in times of emergency.   

The additional £100,000 of funding will contribute to the Foundations Coronavirus Community Fund supporting groups working with people of all ages and at increased risk as a result of the virus, particularly in relation to poor mental health and wellbeing and vulnerable isolated people, particularly in rural areas. The fund offers grants between £1,000 and £10,000. 

The following are some examples of projects funded through the Coronavirus Community Fund: 

• Enabling older people to access a nutritious meal by connecting them to services providing groceries, and/or ready-made meals
• Enabling and encouraging isolated people of all ages to use and access technology to keep them connected to the outside world
• Remote befriending schemes for those isolated, and in need of support
• Social prescribing initiatives, in line with government guidance around isolation and social distancing.  Developing online projects and volunteering opportunities, such as arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of exercise activities
• Provision of enhanced counselling support services, providing they are offered in line with government advice and guidance around social distancing
• Projects that build social networks, in line with current guidance around isolation and social distancing, and that may further develop once this period of isolation has ended
• Projects supporting those at risk, for example those suffering from domestic violence, children at risk; providing the project is supporting those most in need, in line with government advice and guidance

Andrew McCracken, CEO Community Foundation “We are proud to be part of a responsive network of 46 Community Foundations across the UK. Together we can support the most vulnerable in our society and provide further support to communities who are already taking a proactive approach. Coronavirus presents a range of continually changing challenges for everyone, and we will work to adapt our fund accordingly by talking and listening to members of the community. There will be a time to focus on recovery but currently, we are addressing the immediate pressing need in our communities.” 

Lord Dannatt, Chairman of the National Emergencies Trust added,  “We are delighted that there is growing support for the Trust and that we have been able to start getting money out to organisations who can help people within a week of launching. But we need much more. That’s why we are calling on everyone, even at this unsettling time to dig deep and make a contribution. That generosity will ensure that we get through this unprecedented time with our most vulnerable communities cared for and supported.”

Groups wishing to apply for funding please click here. 

You can donate to the National Emergencies Trust Fund here.