Cost of Living Support Fund

Horsham District Council has advised us of their Cost of Living Support Fund initiative. Please see below.

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Cost of Living Support Fund

The Cost of Living Support Fund is a rapid release small grant fund. The fund offers small grants for not-for–profit organisations working to support people most affected by cost-of-living issues in Horsham District. This is not a grant pot for applications from individuals.

What can you apply for?

Small grants are available to grassroot, locally based, not-for-profit organisations working to support people most affected by cost-of-living issues. We want to hear from organisations where a small amount of funding will make a big difference. We will consider applications for funding to:

• Meet increased organisation running costs such as salaries, fuel, electricity, heating, and volunteer expenses – some of the areas hit hardest by rising costs.
• Build capacity by bringing in additional resources to help meet increased community needs. For example, by recruiting additional staff and volunteers, by building local partnerships or by delivering additional training and support for staff and volunteers.
• Support organisations in adapting to and providing alternative support to those in need over the winter and ideally beyond. For example, through the provision of warm banks and spaces, including those where food and other activities can be provided.

Eligibility

A total of £25,000 is being made available up until the end of March 2023. Given the limited funding pot, applications must be extremely well thought through, and awards will most commonly be made between £500 - £1,000. Demand for this funding is anticipated to be high.

• Organisations must provide support/activities that benefit residents of Horsham district most adversely impacted by the cost of living crisis
• The applying organisation must be a local voluntary, community or not-for-profit organisation that is properly constituted with its own bank account.
• Horsham District Council will not support projects that promote specific political or religious views.
• Organisations must have a safeguarding policy for children, young people and vulnerable adults where appropriate

Applications will be prioritised around the following themes:

• Access and support with food
• Access and support with fuel poverty
• Access and support with financial support and debt relief
• Improving rural access to services
• Access and support to enable residents basic needs to be met

Applicants should ensure that their application isn’t duplicating the support offered by statutory organisations/responsibilities.

When can organisations apply

Applications can be made at any time from November 2022 up to 28 February 2023, subject to funding availability.

If your organisation needs support in making an application, please contact the Grants and Funding Officer on community.development@horsham.gov.uk.

Decisions will be made on a rolling weekly basis, subject to funding being available.

Applications should be made using the Horsham District Council Community Grant application form, stating clearly on the application that the request if for ‘COST OF LIVING SUPPORT FUND’.

Apply here: https://digital.horsham.gov.uk/outreach/LEI_CommunityGrantApplications.ofml

Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that every application will be successful. If your application is unsuccessful, please access support to look at alternative funding options by emailing the Grants and Funding Officer on: community.development@horsham.gov.uk

If your organisation requires information, advice and guidance more generally about the running of your organisation, email: volunteering@horsham.gov.uk