Charitable, voluntary and community organisations are being urged not to miss out on extra funds available to help them through the pandemic.
The Council has set up a Covid-19 Special Grants programme, to help reduce the financial strain on organisations in the Borough which may be struggling. The application process is quick and easy and groups who have had to close or stop operating due to lockdown restrictions are welcome to apply.
Those successful will receive a one-off payment of £250. To qualify for the grant applicants must show that they meet all of the following criteria:
- Provide a community service to residents in the Borough of Fareham
- Need the funding to help meet additional core-running costs, or to cover lost income experienced as a direct result of Covid-19 restrictions
- Supply a copy of their constitution and annual accounts
- Provide evidence that they are a ‘not for profit’ organisation
- Confirm that no alternative funding source is available to meet the identified needs
The grant is not available to profit making organisations, organisations with large reserves, or to organisations that have already received funding from Fareham Borough Council during the pandemic.
Executive Member for Leisure and Community at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Sue Bell, said:
“These charitable and voluntary groups contribute so much to our community, making a real difference to residents’ quality of life. That’s why we’re keen to do what we can to help those which may be financially struggling. The payment can be used to cover some of the additional costs the pandemic has caused, such as loss of income, extra PPE or cleaning materials. Every penny helps in these tough times, so if any groups out there are in need, I’d encourage them to apply for this grant.”
Locks Heath Football Club was successful in applying for the grant. The Club’s secretary, Alan Cooper, commented:
“We came across the programme via the Council’s website and submitted our application via their dedicated online link. The process was straightforward and simple which consisted of completing a 2-page questionnaire and uploading the required documentation. Within a week we received a response advising our application had been approved.
The funds were extremely welcome during these extraordinary and difficult times. The club survives solely on fund raising by a small team of volunteers to cover the many expenses involved in operating a football club. To have income removed so abruptly due to Covid-19 makes it difficult to cover the ongoing costs of fixed overheads, particularly for maintaining the clubhouse plus costs of facilities and administration.”
For more information, or to make an application, please visit www.fareham.gov.uk/grants
