New emergency fund launched for groups across Scotland responding to coronavirus
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Foundation Scotland, has set up a new emergency fund to provide vital funding for local charities and grassroots organisations that are supporting some of Scotland’s most affected and vulnerable people suffering through the coronavirus pandemic.
The Foundation Scotland Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund, delivered in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, allows eligible groups to apply for grants between £1000-£5,000. The Community Foundation has designed a quick and simple online application form and is operating a swift turnaround time of just 72-hours so that groups receive support as rapidly as possible.
Over 150 organisations across Scotland have already received over £500,000 in total since the fund opened last week.
The primary focus is to support groups that are adapting to local needs through the challenging time such as projects reaching vulnerable people that are self-isolating, vital help for foodbanks, aid for community response co-ordination, the purchase of safety equipment for caring groups and funds for those supporting health and wellbeing needs with COVID-19.
Chief Executive of Foundation Scotland, Giles Ruck, said “In this time of national crisis, it is critical to distribute funds quickly to where they are most urgently needed.
"The Foundation Scotland Response Fund is offering that emergency funding now, we have a typical turnaround time of 72 hours from application to payment.
"Organisations that applied last week have already received essential funds.
"We are assessing some incredible applications from dedicated organisations that are responding quickly and imaginatively to the challenges of COVID-19.
"We are eager to encourage other charities and community groups in need to apply so that funds can continue to reach those most in need through this challenging time.”
For more details, eligibility criteria and to apply online visit https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/
Since launching on March 26 the new emergency fund has received over 250 applications to date and has already distributed £579,936 to 155 organisations across Scotland.
Most immediately, Response is about providing emergency funding for local charities and grassroots organisations who are currently supporting the most affected and vulnerable people.
In the medium and longer-term, Recovery and Resilience will be about funding a wider group of local charities and community organisations whose operations and finances have been affected so they can recover, re-establish or re-design their activities once the outbreak eases in response to community needs at that point.
Further information can be found online https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/coronavirus-appeal/apply-for-funds/
Full eligibility details and application criteria can be found here https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/media/1009676/rrr-fund-guidelines.pdf
