Coronavirus: Wave two of Shropshire Council’s small grants programme is open  

Shropshire Council is providing a package of financial support to community groups and voluntary organisations who are providing critical support to those impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) living in Shropshire.

Shropshire is fortunate to have communities that want to come together to support themselves at times like this, with local councils and councillors often playing an important role in leading and co-ordinating activity. We also have a host of voluntary and community organisations that work tirelessly with their volunteers to provide vital services to elderly and vulnerable people across the county.

The small grants programme, which is providing £75,000 for local community groups, including community centres and village halls, is open for its second round of applications, until Friday 22 May 2020.

The first round saw 85 applications, with approximately 86% approved for funding. Wave two will close on 22 May, and is open for groups who are supporting people through the pandemic or who have lost income due to the crisis. Details can be found through the following link: https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/resources-and-grant-funding-opportunities-for-local-communities/covid-19-small-grants-programme/ .

Through continued dialogue with a range of voluntary and community groups we are developing an understanding of areas and communities in most need. In light of this, wave three of the grant funding will be developed over the coming months, directly with a handful of community and voluntary organisations.

The outbreak of coronavirus is extremely challenging for all of us in many ways. Ensuring that our older and vulnerable residents have the support they need whilst they are following the Government’s instruction to ‘Stay At Home’ is vitally important. The funding will enable more community-delivered support to be in put place and for the length of time it will be needed.

Shropshire Council is hugely grateful to everyone who is coming forward wanting to use their time, energy and skills to support others, and also to our tremendous voluntary organisations that we rely on to continue delivering services in the most challenging of circumstances.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care, public health and climate change, said:

“In such unprecedented times I am encouraged by the incredible response from our communities to support those most in need. We are very grateful to our grassroot groups, who are supporting people where they live. We want to help our communities and enable them to provide help and support to people who are likely to be most seriously affected by social isolation and illness caused by the pandemic.

“We will work to make sure the funds reach the communities that need them the most. We are in continually checking with our voluntary and community organisations to understand need and take advice on how funds should be spent, and we are responding to the changing needs of our population.”

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