Strengthening Worcestershire Fund needs extra support for match funding programme!
Rolling deadline for applications
Launched in June by Worcestershire Community Foundation in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, a new funding programme to support local communities struggling in the current economic climate has raised £150,000 but is still aiming for more.
The Strengthening Worcestershire Fund has received 57 applications from local community groups with funding requests totalling over £330,000, showing the huge level of need for support across Worcestershire. The applications include requests for food banks, food growing projects and community cafes, as well as projects addressing financial advice, crisis support and homelessness. This means that the Fund’s original target of £200,000 will fall short of Worcestershire’s actual funding gap.
‘We are delighted to have raised a substantial portion of the funding we hope to give out, but there is still a way to go!
Lucy Wells, Director of Worcestershire Community Foundation
Through the applications we have received, we can already see the needs of struggling communities across the county. We urge businesses, charitable funders and individual donors to take the opportunity to get involved so that together we raise the most possible to support a fantastic range of vital projects. To reach £200,000 would be amazing, but to exceed this would allow us to support even more of Worcestershire’s communities facing enormous challenges in the current climate.’
The campaign is continuing to invite donations from Worcestershire supporters, with contributions welcomed from businesses, individuals and charitable trusts, and every penny raised matched by the County Council. The aim is to raise a further £50,000 by November so the Fund can give out at least £200,000 to local charities and community groups. With every donation doubled, businesses and individuals will unlock additional funding, maximising the sum available to support our communities at Christmas.
‘The voluntary and community sector in Worcestershire plays an important role in supporting people to live well. We need to do all we can to help develop locally based services that will provide vital support to our residents, particularly in this current climate.
Councillor Karen May, Cabinet Member with responsibilities for Communities at Worcestershire County Council
Working with Worcestershire Community Foundation, we aim to raise as much money as possible to support this fund and I urge all those that can contribute towards this to do so.’
If you would like to support the Strengthening Worcestershire Fund or for more information on Worcestershire Community Foundation please contact Lucy Wells, Director. e: lucy.wells@worcscf.org.uk
t: 07909 111812 w: www.worcscf.org.uk
