Due to high levels of demand this programme is now paused until further funds can be raised

About the Poverty Hurts Fund

Often perceived as a wealthy county, Gloucestershire is also home to some of the poorest communities in the country as well as some of the wealthiest. The pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities, meaning local people have been amongst the hardest hit by unemployment, loneliness, deprivation and social exclusion. More people than ever are accessing food banks across Gloucestershire. Some community food banks have seen the number of visits increase by more than 55 per cent in the last few months.

Gloucestershire is also a rural county with pockets of deprivation and disadvantage widely spread. Access to services is often limited by the ability to travel with those most disadvantaged in our communities most likely to be reliant upon public transport, which is unavailable or unreliable in many parts of the county.

People in our local communities are becoming increasingly desperate as they struggle to feed their families, heat their homes or run electrical appliances such as fridges and cookers.  Many of those on the lowest incomes, or those who are most vulnerable due to age or physical and mental illness or disabilities are seeing debts spiralling.

Who can apply?

This grants programme is open to voluntary and community groups with charitable aims, registered charities or Community Interest Companies supporting vulnerable people impacted by the increase in the cost of living. If you are a Community Interest Company please ensure that you meet our eligibility criteria, which are listed in the full grant guidelines. Applicants must be based and working in Gloucestershire.

Priority will be given to groups that:

• Deliver a project/activity that reflects the concerns and priorities of the target beneficiaries and fits well with existing community activities/services
• Demonstrate they are well connected within the local community and their project involves working in partnership with local organisations and groups
• Have experience of working with and reaching out to vulnerable people

What you can apply for?

The Poverty Hurts Fund aims to support activities for vulnerable people and families in need as a result of living in poverty. The fund will support projects and organisations that:

• Help vulnerable people at risk of or in abject poverty
• Coordinate a community response to support those suffering as a result of the increase in the cost of living
• Provide food supplies, a hot meal, warm clothing or other essential household/hygiene items
• Provide assistance with energy or winter heating costs
• Reduce isolation and loneliness or improve mental health for people in distress
• Provide access to local services and information that may help to prevent a crisis situation arising or provide valuable guidance, practical or emotional support for people struggling as a result of the increase in the cost of living
• Provide opportunities for learning and skills development that may support people to improve their financial position in the longer-term or help to build more resilient communities that can support each other.

Applications must demonstrate how their proposed project will deliver one or more of the above.  Grants awarded through this fund will be targeted towards those areas of our county most impacted by income deprivation and poor access to services but will also aim to achieve a spread of support geographically so that areas are not excluded.

Funding available

Grants of up to £2,500 are available for projects that help those in the community facing very real challenges as a result of poverty and the increase in the cost of living, including low-income families, the frail, elderly, disabled, people with chronic medical conditions or suffering mental illness and the homeless.