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Community fund launched to help alleviate poverty in South Lakeland

Written by on 13/06/2022

South Lakeland District Council today launches a £25,000 fund aimed at supporting projects that help alleviate poverty.

SLDC is encouraging town and parish councils, community and voluntary groups and local charities to apply to the first round of the new Fairer South Lakeland Community Fund as soon as possible.

Applications can be for both established projects and new initiatives, and applicants can work with other funders, community organisations and agencies to maximise the impacts.

Projects could, for example, aim to give more extra-curricular opportunities to children from poorer households; they may work with local food hubs to expand their reach or update facilities; they may increase transport connections in rural communities; or help vulnerable people into work.

The overarching criteria is that the long-term aim of the project must be to tackle poverty.

The maximum award to an individual project is £8,000, with scope for additional funding in exceptional cases.

Councillor Suzie Pye, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Health, Wellbeing and Poverty Alleviation, said: “The cost of living is now at a 30-year high, and many South Lakeland families are experiencing increased financial pressure and face the prospect of slipping into real hardship. Factors such as the unprecedented rise in energy bills and the high cost of basic food items will all impact low-income, vulnerable people the most. Some families who are already struggling may now have to choose between eating and heating during the colder months.

“The Fairer South Lakeland Community Fund therefore aims to support local councils, community groups and local charities to develop projects to alleviate poverty with long-term benefits to local communities. South Lakeland enjoys a vast network of local groups and organisations who will be best placed to match local need with initiatives to help the most vulnerable people.

“I urge any group or organisation with an established project or an idea for one which this fund could kick-start to apply.”

Applications for the Fairer South Lakeland Community Fund can be made online at www.southlakeland.gov.uk/FairerSouthLakesFund, where more information on what the funding can be used for and how to apply can also be found.

If you have any questions about the fund or wish to discuss an idea for a project, please contact communitygrants@southlakeland.gov.uk or Cllr Pye at Suzie.Pye@southlakeland.gov.uk.