£16.7m available for services supporting local people during the recession

The government’s £16.7 million Real Help for Communities: Targeted Support Fund (grants element) opened at the beginning of May. Small charities, which offer vital local services to those most in need during the recession can come forward and get their hands on essential funding.

Whether it’s a local employment agency helping people back into work or a counselling service expanding its staff to meet demand, these grants will immediately support those services which make a real difference to the lives of local people.

Part of the government’s Third Sector Action Plan Real Help Now, the Targeted Support Fund is a one year programme focused on the fifty areas of England that are most at risk of increased deprivation during the recession.

Local services in these areas, with an annual income of £30,000 to £250,000, can apply to their nearest local funder for grants of £10,000 to £40,000.

The programme is funded by the Office of The Third Sector in the Cabinet Office and administered by the Community Development Foundation.  It will support a range of services relating to information and guidance; health and wellbeing and employment.

Alison Seabrooke, the Community Development Foundation Chief Executive said:

“This fund recognises the importance of acting now, by giving immediate support where it is needed most. It directly targets community organisations working with and for local people, providing services for those most affected by the recession. If these organisations receive help now to deal with increased demand, they can reach and support even more people, making our communities stronger at this difficult time.”

Further information on the scheme and details of how to apply are available on the Community Development Foundation website.   www.cdf.org.uk then follow the link currently on the Home page.