Applications to Dover District Council’s Covid-19 Community Fund are now open to local charities, community and voluntary groups. The Fund has been kick-started with a £50,000 contribution from the Council. It is hoped that a public and corporate fund-raising effort to be launched in the coming days will further bolster the fund.
The DDC Covid-19 Community Fund offers grants between £250 and £2,500 for projects helping to support vulnerable residents with day-to-day essentials during the coronavirus lockdown. This includes:
- Food shopping and delivery
- Preparation and delivery of meals
- Collecting and delivering prescriptions and medicines
- Dog walking
- Befriending and buddy schemes
- Physical and mental health and wellbeing
The fund is primarily designed to cover project running costs, such as volunteer staff, utilities, or costs associated with setting up in a new, accessible location to deliver the service. Some capital costs, such as new equipment, will also be considered.
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “I’ve been humbled by the way in which local charities, community and voluntary groups have risen to this unprecedented challenge to our way of life. This new fund is designed to help them sustain their services, providing help to the most vulnerable people.
“Along with the KCC Kent Together 24/7 hotline, the Dover District’s Community Hub, and an incredible network of local community and voluntary support, we’re working together to make sure that no one feels alone at this difficult time.”
Posted on 07 April 2020