Over £500,000 distributed in grants to Buckinghamshire charities

A partnership of funding organisations in Bucks has been meeting regularly to champion the Voluntary and Community Sector as it supports communities addressing the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak. It aims to build an understanding of, and monitor, the funding situation (nationally and within Bucks).

The group, including Buckinghamshire Council, The Clare Foundation, The Rothschild Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, Leap, and Heart of Bucks, has already released more than £500,000 in emergency funding since March.

Over 200 small grants have gone to support a range of initiatives, including food bank provision, support for the elderly and isolated, increased mental health care, and support for victims of domestic violence.

Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities said, ‘It’s great that we’ve been able to work so closely and in such a well-coordinated way with our funding partners across the County. We are able to prioritise where we allocate resources which will help our community bounce back from the ravages of Coronavirus.’

The partnership will continue to maximise funding opportunities for the many projects and activities that local community organisations and charities have set up in response to the pandemic.

Henry Allmand, the Chief Executive of Heart of Bucks and Chair of the Funding Strategy Group said, “We are pleased to be working closely with our funding partners at this very challenging time. As the Community Foundation, we are acutely aware that emergency funds must be immediately available for the many excellent local charities and organisations working hard to support Buckinghamshire”.