Local voluntary, community and faith sector (VCFS) organisations are encouraged to apply for the Bracknell Forest Council Household Support Fund VCFS grant to support projects that can help local households experiencing financial hardship.
Successful applicants could receive up to £15,000 in a one-off payment to run activities or projects that provide crisis support to vulnerable households. The funds, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), must be used to directly assist residents with energy costs, food, or essential items. Support could include providing vouchers, payments, direct food or energy provision, and items associated with food and energy such as cooking equipment, ‘warm boxes’, energy-efficient light bulbs, coats, and blankets.
The following organisations can apply for the grant if they are working to support people in Bracknell Forest experiencing financial hardship:
- registered charities
- voluntary and community groups who are charitable in purpose
- not-for-profit organisations such as community interest companies (CIC) with a clear social purpose
- national charities and faith groups where the project is accessible to the wider Bracknell Forest community
Grainne Siggins, executive director, people directorate at Bracknell Forest Council, said:
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this funding from the DWP to local voluntary, community and faith sector organisations in Bracknell Forest.
“These organisations have been instrumental in supporting our residents with the cost-of-living challenges so far and we aim to increase their reach through this funding. We know that there will be many residents who need support; they may not be in touch with the council but are connected to local community groups.
“We are particularly looking for projects targeting support to energy costs, food costs and essentials linked to energy and water.”
Interested applicants must complete the application form for a Household Support Fund VCFS grant and provide all requested supporting documents. If the application meets the initial eligibility criteria, the council will pass the application and documents to the assessment panel.
Applications must be submitted by Monday 5 June 2023. 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.
If you have any queries, come along to one of our online information sessions, held on Microsoft teams.
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More details can be found on our Household Support Fund VCFS grant page.
