Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation has now given over £1million in emergency funding to “the frontline” of local charities and voluntary organisations helping people most in need during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Grants of between £500 – £10,000 have given a lifeline to the often “unsung unseen” charitable groups across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, who were forced to quickly adapt their services and work tirelessly to help the most vulnerable in our communities.
Made up of money from the National Emergencies Trust, from local philanthropically minded companies and individuals, and from the Department of Culture Media and Sport, the grants have helped support elderly people, people with disabilities, people who are homeless, in food poverty and facing financial hardship or suffering with mental health issues, across all communities in the city and counties.
One of the groups to benefit from a community foundation grant is Leicester Emergency Food Partnership which is a network of 18 food banks and emergency food providers across the City. LEFP received a grant for £9, 736 to help fund extra staff and resources to distribute food to the communities they serve.
Mark Grant of Action Homeless which coordinates the network of food banks and emergency providers said: “Since the start of the pandemic Community Food Banks have experienced an unprecedented increase in demand. This grant from LLRCF will enable them to continue to provide their support to some of Leicester’s most vulnerable citizens”.
Katy Green, CEO Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation said: “We are proud to be part of the rapid response that has delivered crucial services to the people who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.
“We always aim to distribute grants effectively for local philanthropically minded companies and families, and for government and other national agencies, and our small team has worked flat out over the past six months to make sure that funding quickly reaches areas where it is most needed.
“We have been overwhelmed by the resilience of our local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups who have been truly inspirational in looking after the health and wellbeing of those so severely affected by the crisis, and also by the generosity of our donors. We give our heartfelt thanks to all”.
The Community Foundation enables effective local philanthropic giving throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, setting up inexpensive grant-giving funds on behalf of families, individuals and companies. Any individual or organisation wishing to set up their own grant-giving fund for local needs of their choice can do so through www.llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk
