Funding now available for Leicester anti-poverty groups

Anti-poverty groups will now have the chance to apply for funding from Leicester City Council, with grants of up to £10,000 available to support the work they do.

The council is encouraging applications from organisations which help families and children, those with debt and those in work who are still experiencing poverty, as the cost-of-living crisis is depleting people’s finances.

Groups supporting digitally excluded people, people struggling with mental health issues and groups working to improve the environment have also been asked to come forward.

Applications opened this week opening the opportunity for local organisations to expand and offer assistance, as forecasts show the UK is likely to enter a recession.

Deputy City Mayor Cllr Sarah Russell, who leads on the city council’s anti-poverty programme, said: ‘Leicester is fortunate to have a very active community and voluntary sector that does incredible work to support people.

‘By providing these grants, we will help an even wider network of organisations to provide support to even more individuals and families, as they struggle with rising food and fuel bills.

‘We welcome bids of all sizes, whether it’s a community group seeking £2,000 to improve its food preparation and storage areas, or a scheme led by a charity and supported by a local business that needs £10,000 to trial a new small-scale project.

‘This programme shows our determination to support local people through the cost of living and energy crisis. Working with our partners, we will do all that we can to tackle poverty and mitigate its impact on Leicester.’

Leicester City Council is committing to making £250,000 available for community grants each year over the next three years to help keep people afloat amid one of the worst economic disasters in the UK.

People struggling with high energy bills will also be able to access ‘warm spaces’ at 16 libraries across the city and £3.4 million of government funds will be used to support vulnerable households.

Photo by Nirmal Rajendharkumar