Community grants available

A new grants fund has been launched by believe housing to support projects which help people who are struggling to pay for everyday essentials. 

The County Durham-based housing association created its Bridging the Gap community fund to help local not-for-profit organisations run initiatives addressing the cost of living crisis. 

Groups can apply for £500 towards a range of projects such as money and energy saving advice, clothing and foodbanks, food provision, community appliances, or improving digital access. 

Grants could also be used for projects which help people keep warm in their home, for a group to continue activities or launch new ones over winter, or towards the costs of running a warm space such as activities or refreshments.    

To be eligible, projects must be delivered in areas where believe housing has homes – in central, east or south-west County Durham – as it seeks to create healthy homes and places where people can thrive. 

Damian Pearson, Community Investment Performance Team Leader at believe housing, said: “Times are hard for many of us, but we know there are brilliant organisations in our county which really know their communities and how to support them. 

“Our Bridging the Gap community fund can help those groups to ensure people affected by the cost of living aren’t left behind.  

“Last winter we created Keep Warm, Keep Well community grants, in response to the energy and cost of living crises.  

“We supported projects across County Durham with wellbeing initiatives such as warm spaces, offering food and social activities, and projects helping people to stay warm and well at home. 

“This year we’re looking to have an even greater impact, by replacing Keep Warm, Keep Well community grants with Bridging the Gap.  

“We are especially keen to support innovative ideas that will have a positive impact on people, including our customers. 

“Any group which has a project in mind but is unsure if it fits the criteria should get in touch.” 

For information on Bridging the Gap grants and the full range of community funding offered by believe housing visit www.believehousing.co.uk/community-funding. Or contact the Community Investment Team by emailing communitygrant@believehousing.co.uk or calling 0300 1311 999.