19/10/2009 – Hardship Fund grants announced
The government has announced the first round of funding under its Hardship Fund scheme which is being used to help third sector organisations delivering front-line services who are suffering from a reduction in income that is affecting their ability to deliver services.
This first round of funding has released just under £7 million of the total funding of £16.7 million to 74 voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises that deliver services in education and training, health and social care, housing support and information, advice and guidance. The Fund is being administered for the Office for the Third Sector by Community Development Foundation (CDF).
Announcing the release of the funding last week, Angela Smith, Minister of the Third Sector said -
'Today the first 74 organisations have been offered Hardship Fund grants that range from £50,000 to £250,000. They provide real help to organisations in England delivering front line services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society.'
Alison Seabrooke, Chief Executive of CDF said -
'Many community and voluntary organisations are offering vital services to support local people in these difficult times. It's really important that these organisations get the support they need now, to sustain this work at a time when communities need it most.'
The Hardship Fund is still open for applications.
More information on the Hardship Fund is available on the CDF website.
The CDF press release First Hardship Fund grants bring real help to 74 third sector organisations across the country is available here.
See also the related policy news stories -
- Targeted Support Fund to help over 500 voluntary organisations: £15 million to be paid out to provide vital community services during the recession (26 August, 2009)
- Hardship Fund now open: Community Development Fund run scheme now accepting applications (24 July, 2009)
- New Hardship Fund criteria announced: More than £16m available to services affected by recession (12 June, 2009)
- Government launches Hardship Fund to support the Third Sector during recession: Budget announcement on £20m additional funding welcomed (12 May, 2009)