Charities and community organisations performing vital work to aid vulnerable individuals are invited to apply for a substantial government aid package.

Today, charities and community organisations performing vital work to aid vulnerable people are invited to apply for a £76 million government support package.

The fund will support frontline charities and community organisations struggling to meet increased demand for essential services, such as food, emergency supplies, shelter, secure spaces, warmth, and financial or housing advice.

This fulfils the commitment of the Prime Minister to assist with the cost of living and defend low-income households from rising prices.

From now until the end of March, organisations may apply for grants from £10,000 to £75,000 to cover project and core costs, including office rent, utilities, personnel, and volunteers.

Stuart Andrew, Minister for Civil Society, stated: “We acknowledge that this is a difficult period for families and businesses nationwide, facing rising prices and rent or mortgage payments.” And during difficult times, charitable and community organisations are at the centre of society, providing care and compassion to those struggling in life.” We are supporting charities with £76 million so that these essential services can continue their excellent work in the face of a sharp rise in demand caused by rising living expenses.”

The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund is the initial allocation from a total sum of £101.5 million announced in the Spring Budget by the Chancellor. Charities and community organisations are encouraged to apply for the targeted support, emphasising small to medium-sized English nonprofit, community, and social enterprise organisations.

The Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, David Knott, stated: “Through the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund, we are delighted to collaborate with DCMS to distribute these funds on the government’s behalf.”

“This much-needed funding will assist charities and organisations across England under intense pressure to provide essential services to communities struggling with the cost of living.”

The remaining quarter of the funding announced in the Budget, amounting to £25.5 million, will be used to fund measures over the next two years to improve the long-term energy and financial resilience of voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and support the government’s commitment to achieving a net-zero emissions target by 2050. Information regarding the application process is due to be released later this year.

The application deadline is October 16, 2023.

As an intermediary grant provider, The National Lottery Community Fund provides additional information on eligibility and the application procedure on their website.

The remaining quarter of the funding announced in the Budget, amounting to £25.5 million, will be used to fund measures over the next two years to improve the long-term energy and financial resilience of voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations and support the government’s commitment to achieving a net-zero emissions target by 2050.