Cash grants to aid community organisations

An initiative designed to help the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) during the COVID-19 pandemic is closing in on delivering £461,560 in grants.

A total of 263 VCSE organisations based in or delivering activity in Sunderland applied for cash grants of either £1,000 or £10,000 and 161 have been successful, with more pending approval.

The Sunderland City Council scheme was created to support VCSE organisations unable to benefit from national support programmes such as the Small Business Rate Relief Grant and the Discretionary Grant Fund.

Grants were available to small groups including residents’ associations, sports clubs and community groups, in addition to charities and community interest companies that had to close due to the crisis, or which lost their regular income.

Coun John Kelly, cabinet member for communities and culture at Sunderland City Council, said: "We put this scheme in place because we understand that many organisations have experienced additional financial pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am pleased the council has been able to help these voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations as they continue to play a crucial role in their communities."

Active Families NE, an organisation providing activity and exercise programmes across the North East, was successful in its application for the higher grant of £10,000.

The funding helped the team provide services to support people in staying active and combat loneliness during the lockdown.