East Suffolk Council
Funding boost for key organisations in East Suffolk
A new £100,000 fund to help reduce the impact of Covid-19 on voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in East Suffolk has been announced.
East Suffolk Council has launched the East Suffolk Communities Bounce Back Fund, which offers grants of between £250 and £5,000 to support VCSE organisations which play a key role in supporting local communities.
Funded through the East Suffolk Community Partnership Board, the funding is available for equipment, adaptions or staffing to enable VCSE organisations to safely continue or to restart their services or to develop/launch new services.
Cllr Steve Gallant, Chair of the East Suffolk Community Partnership Board and Leader of East Suffolk Council, said: “We know that Covid-19 has had a big impact on our communities and voluntary and community groups have never been more important to make sure no one is left behind.
“Many have played a key role throughout the pandemic in reducing social isolation, helping those in need and supporting those who are most vulnerable. However, others have been unable to continue their services due to the impact of Covid-19 which makes them vulnerable themselves.
“We hope that this fund will enable our voluntary and community groups to continue or restart their vital services, which have never been needed more, or even develop new services in a response to identified community needs.”
All VCSE organisations are eligible to apply, as long as the funding requested is for equipment, adaptions or staffing to continue or restart a service or develop/launch a new service. However, some groups will be given priority to help support those who have been particularly impacted by the pandemic. These include organisations supporting young people, organisations relying on volunteers and community buildings which are struggling to reopen safely.
The online form and full details about eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found here.