Launched in March 2020 as an emergency appeal, the Foundation and its donors came together to award almost £1.6 million to over 480 charities and community organisations in the region. Now as the country faces its third lockdown, the Foundation has rallied to re-open its funding pot, following the devastating effects Covid-19 is continuing to have on local communities.

Heart of England Community Foundation will be offering grants of up to £5,000, which will be made available to vital outreach services that are proving indispensable services to those struggling during the pandemic. This includes everything from food banks and emergency delivery services; through to befriending services for the elderly, vulnerable and shielding.

Tina Costello, Chief Executive at Heart of England Community Foundation (pictured), comments: “During the first lockdown, our Coronavirus Resilience Fund was a lifeline for the West Midlands and Warwickshire’s established charities and grassroots community organisations alike. Many of those in the Third Sector haven’t received any additional financial support, despite seeing donations drop and demand increase overnight. That’s why we’re so tremendously grateful to all those businesses and individuals that have supported our fund: we received an enormous amount of support from the region, and thanks to their generosity, 481 local projects have been able to continue delivering crucial services.

“Whilst we’re saddened that our Coronavirus Resilience Fund is still needed, we’re eager to continue helping those impacted by the lockdown and virus in every possible way we can. This funding will go directly to small, grassroots groups who are finding it difficult to access support, and have a direct impact on helping our communities during these troubling times. Therefore, we’re asking the region to rally once more, to dig deep, and to give what they can to support.”