The Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund, established just two weeks ago by Dorset Community Foundation, has already awarded a record-busting £100,000 in Emergency Grants.
The fund has been developed to help support charities and community groups that are helping the most vulnerable people in Dorset through the coronavirus pandemic. So far, they’ve been able to provide grants of up to £5,000 for almost 33 projects across Dorset, which will benefit a huge amount of people in need.
One of the grants has gone to Faithworks Wessex, which helps run five foodbanks in Blandford, Christchurch, Wimborne, Poole and Southbourne, and will help meet the rising demand for both food and will fund follow-up phone calls for advice and support with beneficiaries.
Grant Robson, Dorset Community Foundation Director, said: “We are now making emergency grants to an amazing variety of projects and activities. We are helping foodbanks, community transport, older people’s groups, health and disability support, community volunteers, food deliveries, homelessness, mental health and family wellbeing. The Foundation is receiving an unprecedented level of applications for help from all across Dorset, from rural villages and from within towns. Arguably, our communities have never required our help more and we are delighted to work with our donors to target where the need is most.
“Thanks to our significant initial funding from the National Emergencies Trust (NET) and financial support from generous local charitable trusts and individuals we have been able to act quickly making grants, which will have a real impact on people’s lives, their health and wellbeing.”
The funding wouldn’t be possible without The National Emergencies Trust and the Dorset Coronavirus Community Appeal. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Dorset Community Foundation website.