The Hardship Fund
is now open, Minister for the Third Sector Angela Smith announced
today – just three months after the Fund was first announced by
the Chancellor in his April 2009 Budget.
Building on the £42.5 million package of measures in the
Government’s Real Help for Communities Action Plan, the Fund
offers grants between £50,000 and £250,000. It will provide
support to third sector organisations in England delivering front
line services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society.
The Hardship Fund is available for third sector organisations
that are suffering financial hardship that is impacting on their
ability to deliver services in health and social care, housing
support, education and training, and information, advice and
guidance. To apply, organisations must have a turnover of £200,000
a year or more.
Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
“The
£16.7 million Hardship Fund shows the Government’s commitment to
providing real help now to communities and to the third sector.
Delivered in just three months, this grant programme is responding
quickly to the challenges faced by the third sector during these
difficult times when demand for their services is increasing, but
when their incomes may be falling. It will bring targeted help to
both the third sector and to the vulnerable and disadvantaged
people they support.
“I am delighted to open this grant
programme to applications. It will provide significant support for
the people who need it most.”
Stephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“We recognise the invaluable work of many third sector
organisations in supporting people, particularly in these
difficult times, and some of these organisations are struggling
because of the global economic turbulence. The Hardship Fund will
provide much-needed financial assistance to organisations that are
delivering crucial front-line services.”
Grants will be
assessed and allocated on the basis of need, based on immediate
financial hardship and evidence of demand for services.
The Hardship Fund will be administered by the Community
Development Foundation (CDF).
Alison Seabrooke, Community Development Foundation Chief
Executive said:
“Many organisations are working with
vulnerable people right now, offering services to support them
through these difficult times. It’s vital that these organisations
get the support they need to cope with this. The Community
Development Foundation is delighted to be managing the Hardship
Fund, which offers this support now, when communities most need it.”
Notes to editors
More information about how to apply can be found on the Community
Development Foundation (CDF) website (www.cdf.org.uk).
CDF is the leading source of community development expertise and
delivery. As a public body and a charity we bridge government,
communities and the voluntary sector. We help local people lead.
Our aim is for an inclusive and just society.
Our mission is to lead community development analysis and
strategy in order to empower people to influence decisions that
affect their lives.
Our goal is to help create
* engaged communities - supporting involvement in local decision-making
* cohesive communities – helping people come together to manage diversity
* stronger communities – building community control and contribution
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