A recently launched Covid-19 appeal by the Worcestershire Community Foundation has enabled grants of over £100,000 which are already helping 40 different organisations across Worcestershire.
The Foundation’s ongoing fundraising campaign, which also includes money and input from the National Emergencies Trust, has raised £110,000 in just five weeks to help reduce the suffering caused by the global pandemic.
The Foundation is now inviting applications of up to £5,000 from charities and community groups in Worcestershire who are addressing Covid-related needs. Amongst those already helped are local projects which focus on accommodation for the homeless, food banks, volunteer networks, helping older people who are isolated, supporting carers and those suffering domestic abuse.
Tomasz Jarecki, project manager of the charity LikeU which supports ethnic minorities in Worcester, said: “Thanks to the fantastic support of Worcestershire Community Foundation’s Covid-19 fund, more than 160 people are being taken care of every week.
“Over 60 hot meals are being delivered and toys are reaching anxious and disadvantaged children. It has also helped our volunteers to support people safely.
“The Covid-19 appeal has been a massive boost for us but we will continue to drive on with our fundraising work now and into the future.”
Nick Wentworth-Stanley, chair of the Worcestershire Community Foundation added:
“Overall, we are working to ensure funds get to those that need them most, and without delay.
“We want even more charities and community groups here in Worcestershire to apply for a grant if they need help in their work to combat the suffering caused by Covid-19. We also welcome applications from organisations working with BAME communities, who are currently under-represented.
“But we also continue to appeal to people and businesses across the county to contribute to our ongoing appeal and give whatever they can afford. Those who have so generously supported us to date have made such a difference.”
For further information, apply for funding, or to contribute to the appeal, readers can visit www.worcscf.org.uk. and follow the links.
Alternatively, for more information please contact Lucy Wells, Development Director, at lucy.wcf@comfirst.org.uk.
For more information on the LikeU project go to www.likeu.org.uk