Local community groups urged to access available financial support

Oldham community groups are being urged to take up the offer of financial support from Forever Manchester and the National Lottery Community Fund to support their response to the impact of COVID‐19.

These unprecedented times are having an impact on voluntary and social sector organisations across Greater Manchester and grassroots community groups are responding with kindness and compassion, coming together to help those most affected.

Forever Manchester is working with the UK Community Foundations and the National Emergencies Trust (NET) to raise money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester and are offering awards of up to £5,000 for community groups in the city region.

The Forever Manchester Community Support Fund is seeking to help fund organisations who are supporting their communities during these unprecedented times.

To apply you need to be a constituted community group with your own bank account and relevant safeguarding policies in place and be based in the Greater Manchester borough where you are offering help.

More information and details on how to apply for funding on the Forever Manchester website: https://forevermanchester.com/community‐support‐fund/

Local community groups can also apply for support from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The National Lottery Community Fund helps to distribute money raised by players of the National Lottery to fund a wide range and projects and activities.

They are currently prioritising their funding for organisations that are supporting people who are at high risk from COVID‐19 and organisations supporting communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges because of the current crisis.

Alongside its usual funding, the National Lottery Community Fund is distributing £310m of government funding across the country, targeted at organisations responding to the COVID‐19 emergency.

Voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups can find more information and details on how to apply for the National Lottery Community Fund on their website: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/

Nick Massey, Chief Executive of Forever Manchester said: “Local groups understand how they can best help their communities at this time and we are doing everything we can to support them through it.

“I would encourage any community group that might need some extra money to help those most at need to have a look at the funding that is available from Forever Manchester.

“We don’t want to limit the type of request that can be made so just let us know what you want to do and how it supports your community and we will consider the application.

"Local community organisations can have a massive impact on the communities they serve during these difficult times and we want to do everything we can to support them.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.