Funding for COVID-19 recovery schemes

Community organisations across Sunderland and County Durham can now apply for grants of up to £10,000 to support COVID-19 recovery schemes and other essential projects.

The Community Partnering Fund, run by gas distributor Northern Gas Networks and electricity distributor Northern Powergrid, has announced its next phase of funding. A pot of £50,000 is available, with grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000.

Eligible projects need to be not-for-profit and focus on one or more of the following: COVID-19 recovery, tackling fuel poverty, promoting energy efficiency or gas safety in the home, and/or promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) related subjects.

Tom Bell, head of social strategy for Northern Gas Networks, said: “The Community Partnering Fund was set-up to help strengthen local communities – and this has never been more important.

“While we are still very keen to receive applications in our traditional areas, this year we are also welcoming projects designed to help communities through the COVID-19 crisis.

“The pandemic continues to adversely affect many aspects of people’s lives and we look forward to receiving applications designed to alleviate that impact and build community resilience.”

Organisations wishing to apply for funding can find out more, and submit their bids, at www.leedscf.org.uk/grants

Over the past three years, the Community Partnering Fund has awarded more than £180,000 to a diverse range of projects and organisations – fromcommunityradiostations and renewable energy projects to food banks and refugee support schemes.