14th January 2021
The NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Community Partnership fund, managed by County Durham Community Foundation, is now open for grants of up to £250,000 to partnership projects across the North East and North Cumbria.
Born out of public generosity, the fund has £1.4million available to support partnerships of organisations to tackle health inequality, digital poverty and fund mental health support.
During the pandemic more than £140m of charitable funds were donated by the public for great causes. The unforgettable Captain Sir Tom Moore, who was knighted for his efforts, inspired more than £30million alone in donations.
Now this money, through membership association NHS Charities Together, will fund three key themes: addressing health inequalities, support for mental health and wellbeing, and support to overcome digital poverty for vulnerable people disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Teri Bayliss, Director of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, representing the NHS charities throughout the North East and North Cumbria said: “I don’t think any of us will ever forget the way the public responded to Captain Sir Tom as he did his part to help the NHS. He inspired so many others and together, millions have been raised. It is so uplifting to see this money now become available for worthwhile projects in our communities at a time when need is so high.”
Cumbria Community Foundation is supporting County Durham Community Foundation to administer the funding.
Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “As a Community Foundation, we are delighted to be able to support this funding to reach where it is most needed. By supporting valuable NHS and community projects, the fund will ease some of the strain on the NHS, as its wonderful staff fight to save lives threatened by the pandemic. The fund will also provide long-term support for communities as it addresses some of the additional health problems individuals and families will face – caused or worsened by the pandemic and lockdowns.”
Applications are welcomed from projects in the following areas; Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland, North Cumbria, Newcastle and Gateshead, Northumbria, North Tyneside and Tees Valley.
If your project is based in North Cumbria, please contact Annalee Holliday at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 825760 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 31st January 2021, which can be accessed here.