03 March 2023
Dozens of voluntary organisations and community groups are set to receive a share of £150,000 to help residents in most need.
This is the first round of a 17-month Local Community Fund (LCF) scheme worth a total of £450,000 to specifically help those most affected by the rising living costs.
Groups were able to apply for two types of grants. The first is aimed at helping those who are struggling to buy nutritious food to help improve health and well-being in the community.
The second is a contribution towards increases in fuel and energy bills incurred by community groups.
Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities which oversees the LCF scheme, describes the response to the first round of these grants.
He said: “The response has been incredible. More than 100 groups applied for this funding from all over the county.
“We have allocated the money to as many eligible groups as possible. We want the funds to bring health and well-being benefits to those Nottinghamshire communities most in need.
“This includes funding for projects which have demonstrated an inbuilt sustainability beyond the lifetime of the grant and can also help reduce demand on health and social care services.
“We are proud that LCF is once again supporting groups, charities, and organisations so they are able to continue their essential work in community and are able to access the help they need to be able pay their own energy bills.”
The next round of funding is due open later this spring when groups can once again apply for up to £5,000 for both type of funds.
Councillor Matt Barney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, describes how this funding is part of the council’s wider support to help those most affected by rising living costs.
He said: “Vulnerable residents and those on a low income are at the heart of our overall plans which include this targeted community funding. We want to do what we can to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents as they continue to face cost-of-living pressures."
Some of the 87 community groups and organisations who are set to be allocated cost-of-living funding are:
For further financial support and advice, check the council’s dedicated cost of living support page.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
This decision will need to be published for five clear working days before it can be implemented. During these five days the decision can be “called in” to be scrutinised by the Overview Committee and can then not be implemented until that process ends.