Emergency fund to help voluntary organisations in London

A new emergency fund has been set up to help London’s community and voluntary organisations who have been affected by Covid-19.

The City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, City Bridge Trust (CBT) has joined the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and London Funders to launch the new fund.

An initial £1m will be provided by CBT following a further £1m from the Mayor.

City Bridge is London’s biggest independent grant giver, they provide around £25m worth of grants per year to help disadvantaged communities across the city.

Many organisations are facing an increasing demand for services at the same time that they have fewer volunteers and lower donations, this funding which will be coordinated by London Funders will be available to charities who are facing immediate financial pressures and uncertainty to help them to continue helping as many people as possible.

A special section of the London.gov.uk website will be created to help link organisations in need of volunteers with individuals who are wanting to help.

Dhruv Patel, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, said: ‘We are all living in very challenging times.

‘Now more than ever we need to support our communities and provide much-needed help and assistance, especially to those that are vulnerable.

‘Our voluntary sector is already doing an incredible job of going the extra mile to support those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

‘This funding boost will be vital as the weeks unfold, helping charities provide and adapt vital services for London’s communities.’

In related news, Tower Hamlets Council has also committed to supporting the borough’s voluntary and community sector (VCS) through the current coronavirus pandemic.

This will include organisations funded through the Local Community Fund, small grants and funds for those transitioning from mainstream grants as well as a range of commissioned services including children and older people, health, domestic abuse, disability, advice and employment.

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