South Kesteven District Council's Community Hub is spreading news of new grants to recruit, train or retain volunteers and build on the community effort developed during the Covid-19 crisis.

Lincolnshire Community Foundation (LCF) is offering grants of up to £2,500, made available from the National Emergencies Trust Appeal, to charities, community groups and organisations working to relieve hardship caused by the pandemic.

The aim is to harness and build on the energy that saw neighbourhoods galvanized into action to offer immediate support to those who were vulnerable or self-isolating as the Coronavirus crisis hit some of the district's most vulnerable people.

Cllr Annie Mason, SKDC Cabinet Member for Communities said; "We have a network of more than 50 volunteer groups registered with us and we will ensure that that they know about this funding. What a great way to help build on all that incredible community work that we saw develop during this crisis.

"Volunteers are absolutely vital to make sure the work continues, especially if we have to face any resurgence of this dreadful virus. The Foundation is there to help groups continue their amazing community effort and I would encourage our local groups to apply."

Not-for-profit volunteer-led groups, including non-constituted groups that have a sponsor such as a parish or town council, can apply for funding to cover promotion, recruitment, overheads, volunteer expenses, training costs and IT management systems

The funding, targeted at smaller grassroots groups, could help volunteers to continue to offer local support, or to ensure they are in place in the event of a second wave of Covid-19.

Sue Fortune, CEO with the LCF said: "We've listened to feedback from Local Resilience Forum members and other partners about the importance of retaining vital volunteer support and have launched a fund that will support the cost of recruiting and retaining volunteers across the County. Grants staff are here to help at every stage and we would urge interested groups get in touch".

To obtain an application form or to chat about your project, please contact Sue Fortune on 01529 305825 or email [email protected]

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 21 August 2020.