Local community groups are encouraged to apply for our community winter hardship grant to help local people facing financial hardship this winter.
Successful groups could receive up to £5,000 in a one-off payment to run activities or projects that provide crisis support to vulnerable households. It is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions as part of the council’s household support fund. The funds must be used to directly support residents with energy costs, food, or essential household items.
Support could include providing:
- vouchers
- payments
- food
- energy provision
Items associated with food and energy are also permitted such as:
- cooking equipment
- food packs
- breakfast club food
- ‘warm boxes’
- energy efficient light bulbs
- coats
- blankets
Organisations that can apply for the grant if they are working to support people in Bracknell Forest experiencing financial hardship, include:
- registered charities
- voluntary and community groups who are charitable in purpose
- not-for-profit organisations such as a community interest company (CIC), PTA’s and residents’ associations with a clear social purpose
- cultural and faith groups, where the project is accessible to the wider Bracknell Forest community
Cllr Mary Temperton, leader of Bracknell Forest Council and executive member for council strategy and climate change, said:
“The winter months can be particularly tough with the cost of heating the home and having warm, fulfilling meals. Local groups and charities are instrumental in helping people in need, so we hope this funding helps them reach more people.
“We are pleased to welcome applications from community groups across the borough to help them support vulnerable households this winter.
“We are looking in particular for projects that offer help with energy costs, food costs and essentials linked to energy and water.”
Applications and all the requested supporting documents must be submitted by 11pm on Monday 9 October.
The panel will review applications within 4 weeks of this date. Successful applicants will then receive their funding which must be used by 31 March 2024. Any funding that remains unspent after this date must be returned.
