Funding to Help Organisations During the COVID-19 Outbreak

A growing number of organisations are announcing funding to provide emergency assistance for organisations, groups, and charities at the national and local level. Where possible, we will try to signpost opportunities, especially those relevant to Redesdale.

Northumberland National Park Neighbours is a hub of the latest local information and guidance for communities across Northumberland National Park. Whether you need help shopping for food, medicines or just a friendly phone call, visit your community page to find out how to get help. Click here for further information.

Northumberland Communities Together is a Northumberland County Council initiative to provide information and support to communities and volunteer organisations in Northumberland. For information and resources see: www.northumberland.gov.uk/coronavirus/Northumberland-Communities-Together

In light of the current situation the Ray Wind Fund is making emergency, fast-track funding available for organisations and individuals in the Ray Wind Funds area. There are two strands: Organisations’ Survival Fund and Organisations’ Project Fund. For full details on the Fund’s area, eligibility and how to apply, see: raywindfund.co.uk/covid-19-hardship-fund/

Adapt North East is facilitating a Hardship Fund, with funding from Bernicia Homes, available for households in the west of Northumberland which are suffering hardship as a consequence of COVID-19. Normal confidentiality criteria will apply – if contact needs to be made with other agencies, permission will be sought of either the referral agencies or the household itself. There are just a few limitations:

• Households referred under our part of the scheme should be living in the West of the county. If you refer from another part of the County, we’ll undertake to direct your referral to someone dealing with that area.
• Households will be suffering hardship because of the virus and their need can include: Change in financial circumstances; Breakdown in relationship; Delays in benefits payments or those under the special Covid-19 funding schemes; Changes in employment; Breakdown of essential household items e.g. washing machine; Unexpected fuel or other bills
• Every effort should have been made to access other sources of funding such as special Covid-19 schemes or Universal Credit.
• Business are not eligible under this scheme.

If you have queries, please contact Liz Prudhoe on 01434 600599 option 1.

The UK Government has set up a number of funds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• A new discretionary fund to accommodate certain small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. There will be three levels of grant payments. The maximum will be £25,000. There will also be grants of £10,000. local authorities will have discretion to make payments of any amount under £10,000. It will be for councils to adapt this approach to local circumstances. For full details see: www.gov.uk/government/news/top-up-to-local-business-grant-funds-scheme
• Funding for Academic and Business Partnerships through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme. Up to £40 million in total is available for part funding and is available to any size business or a not-for-profit organisation in partnership with an academic/research organisation and a graduate. For full details see: www.gov.uk/guidance/knowledge-transfer-partnerships
• A new Loneliness Covid-19 Grant Fund for charities or benevolent and philanthropic organisations providing frontline services. Eligible projects must: provide effective, targeted relief for those most at risk of loneliness as a result of Covid-19 and contribute to the evidence base on Covid-19 and loneliness. Up to £1,000,000 can be applied for. For full details see: www.gov.uk/government/publications/5-million-loneliness-covid-19-grant-fund

For a broad overview of opportunities, Grants Online has a specific page dedicated to Coronavirus funding, which is updated regularly: www.grantsonline.org.uk/coronavirus

North East Growth Hub has lots of information about help for small businesses, including: funding, financial and legal advice, and other resources. Search the tag ‘coronavirus’ on their site: www.northeastgrowthhub.co.uk

The Community Foundation has established the Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund to support local charities and community organisations across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. They will announce at a future date when applications can be submitted: www.communityfoundation.org.uk/coronavirusfund/#which-organisations-will-be-eligible-for-support

Tesco Bags of Help has launched a new Fund in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. The new short-term fund (grants of £500) is open to registered charities, voluntary and community organisations, schools, health bodies, Parish, Town and community councils, social enterprises, local authorities and social housing organisations across the UK: www.tescobagsofhelp.org.uk/tesco-cv-fund/

The Prince’s Trust and NatWest have launched a £5million grant fund for young entrepreneurs affected by coronavirus. The Fund is available to entrepreneurs aged 18-30, who can apply for grants and tailored support from today: www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/news-views/princes-trust-natwest-enterprise-relief-fund

Arts Council England have set out an Emergency Funding Package for individuals and organisations working in the cultural sector. Funding amounts vary depending on who is applying, so check the latest information on their dedicated web-page: www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19