At the beginning of the Pandemic, the Community Foundation launched the Leicestershire and Rutland Coronavirus Support Fund to support our local charities and community groups who were forced to quickly adapt their services, and who have been working tirelessly throughout to help the most vulnerable in our communities.
Eight months on and the Community Foundation has given over £1million in vital aid. With grants of between £500 – £10,000, the funding has given a lifeline to the often “unsung unseen” charitable groups across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who are crucial to our social fabric.
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.
The Community Foundation always aims 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 since March 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.
We are extremely proud to be part of the rapid response that has delivered crucial services to the people who have been hardest hit by the pandemic and as these difficult times continue throughout the winter months, our work too will continue.
A summary of all emergency grants awarded is available for download here
Our local charities and community groups still need help so we are asking you to donate, if you can, to The Leicestershire and Rutland Coronavirus Support Fund
