A grant scheme has been launched to ensure the third sector organisations operating across the borough can help residents through the cost of living crisis this winter.
Barrow Borough Council’s Executive Committee approved £310,000 in funding for a package of measures that will provide food, warmth and other help for those most in need through the colder months.
This included the use of £110,000 to establish a Cost of Living Small Grants scheme, administered by the authority, to make sure constituted and active groups, charities and community interest companies can continue to support the community over the coming months.
Now, applications for this scheme are invited from eligible organisations before the closing date of midnight on January 15, 2023.
Grants must be used to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- To provide joined up provision, improved signposting and increased awareness of support available
- To support people to make the best possible choices about how they use the income they have
- To help people maximise their income further (including but not limited to benefits maximisation)
- To tackle fuel poverty
- To tackle food poverty
- To support vulnerable groups
- To provide warm hubs and spaces for communities.
Councillor Derek Brook, Barrow Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community, said: “The impacts of the cost of living crisis are being felt deeply by people of all ages throughout our communities, including by those who have never sought help before.
“I welcome the launch of this grant scheme, though I desperately wish there was no need for it in our borough or anywhere else.
“This scheme is designed to ensure the excellent organisations that are already doing what they can to help receive further support.”
The size of the grant will be determined by the rateable value of the property from which the organisation operates.
Applications from smaller organisations for lower amounts are welcomed and bids that can show collaboration between organisations will be prioritised.
All applications must be returned via e-mail to LADGF@barrowbc.gov.uk
Councillor Brook added: “Charities and organisations already operating in the heart of our communities are trusted and are a preferred way for many people to access the help and support they need.
“These charities and organisations are also tuned into the best way to help people, which is why this particular grants scheme is so important.”
In addition to the Cost of Living Small Grants Scheme, £100,000 is being used to support the Warm Spots Project in the borough while a further £100,000 will be distributed via large grants to established organisations already providing food, fuel and emergency support to the community.
The allocation of the funding has been made according to priorities identified by The Community Prosperity Partnership - a group made up of representatives from local authorities in the county and from across the third sector. Its purpose is to help the community recover from the pandemic and to improve general prosperity in the borough.
For more information on the Cost of Living Small Grants Scheme and to access an application form, visit: https://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/cost-of-living-fund/