Lincoln City Covid-19 Community Response Fund
Members and Officers at Lincoln City Council (LCC) recognised the huge contribution being made by the voluntary and community sector in responding to the needs of some of their most vulnerable residents and formed a partnership with Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF), experts in the field of grant management and distribution. In May LCF launched the Lincoln City Covid-19 Community Response Fund for charitable purposes to relieve hardship caused directly or indirectly by the Coronavirus pandemic.
It was predetermined that priority would be given to groups delivering services which support individuals and families or help build stronger, more resilient communities. Further weighting would be given to projects that supported the following groups of people: older adults, families with young children, BAME communities, homeless, people with physical or learning disabilities, people with mental health needs and people on low incomes.
Once the fund aims and objectives were agreed, LCF drafted Guidelines and an Application Form which were circulated to partners who were asked to share these with those community groups, charities and social enterprises actively delivering services to help combat the effects of Covid-19. LCF undertook some direct promotion and marketing as they have existing relationships with many local organisations. Additional efforts were made to reach community groups delivering support to those hard to reach communities who were disproportionately affected by Coronavirus (BAME, homeless, older people etc).
Funds were received from LCC, or matched, from other sources (Lincoln Lottery, Travis Perkins, National Emergencies Trust, Lincolnshire Community Foundation) ensuring additional impact was achieved and making LCC’s funds go further.
Between May and November 2020, 14 groups received a share of £25,184.20, ranging from £500 to a maximum of £2,500. The organisations offered a range of support from a listening service (Lincoln Samaritans), practical support for homeless people (Development Plus), resilience/recovery funding (Green Synergy), youth activities (ACTS Trust), provision of food for BAME communities (Islamic Association), support for people with learning difficulties (Busydays Daycare) to name but a few.
A full list of awards is set out below.
Name of Group |
Project |
Award |
|---|---|---|
|
Lincoln Samaritans |
Contribution towards overheads to ensure charity is able to continue providing a listening service to people in emotional distress to prevent suicide. |
£1,000.00
|
|
Development Plus |
To extend the Compass project that offers support to homeless and rough sleepers in Lincoln City |
£2,500.00 |
|
Lincoln Trauma Centre |
Contribution towards annual running costs (venue hire, staffing, volunteer expenses) |
£1,500.00 |
|
Bridge Church |
Cost of overheads for 3 months so the applicant is able to concentrate on COVID-19 response. |
£2,000.00 |
|
The Islamic Association |
Cost of buying food to establish a new food bank. |
£1,500.00 |
|
Green Synergy |
To maintain website, office overheads, weekly phone and text check-in with beneficiaries. |
£2,500.00
|
|
ACTS Trust |
Contribution towards CEO & Co-Ordinator salary costs for 4 months |
£2,500.00 |
|
Lincoln Food Partnership |
Lease costs of building to open a membership supermarket |
£2,500.00 |
|
The Redeemed Christian Church of God |
Kitchen refurbishment costs |
£2,500.00 |
|
Renew |
Financial support to enable members to travel to and from the centre to attend peer mentoring group meetings |
£600.00 |
|
Development Plus |
Weekly mindfulness course over 7 weeks to support adults experiencing mental health issues |
£504.00 |
|
Busydays Daycare |
Cost of hiring an extra room for six months and PPE equipment (misting machine etc) |
£1,286.64 |
|
Green Synergy |
Contribution toward the cost of increased demand for therapeutic and skill building gardening activity |
£1,478.56 |
|
ACTS Trust |
Running costs of the Energize youth project |
£2,815.00 |
|
|
Total |
£25,184.20 |