Fermanagh Trust is hosting a free online information event – encouraging local charities to access emergency funding

 

The COVID-19 Charities Fund is reopening on the 3rd August. The funding programme, which is being administered on behalf of the Department for Communities by The National Lottery Community Fund, will provide financial support to charities who have lost income due to the impact of COVID-19 and are unable to cover unavoidable costs until 30 September 2020. The programme will provide up to £75,000 for eligible organisations and the amount of funding required to cover immediate costs and prevent short term closure.

The Fermanagh Trust is hosting an online information event in conjunction with the National Lottery Community Fund for local charities on the COVID-19 Charities Fund, highlighting the significant opportunity and funding available.  The event will take place 7.30pm on Tuesday 11th August. If technology is not appropriate possibly due to poor Broadband there will be an opportunity to join the meeting Fermanagh House. The conference room will be streaming the event and all COVID-19/ social distancing protocols will be followed.  

Lauri McCusker, Director or the Fermanagh Trust said “The reopening of the COVID-19 Charity Fund very positive news and provides an important opportunity for local registered charities to access support. We encourage groups to take part in our information event, which will include representatives from the National Lottery Community Fund to answer all your questions and guide you through the application process.”

If you wish to join this event virtually or in person E: hazel@fermanaghtrust.org / Tel: 07526633885 to register.

A diverse range of charities have already received funding ranging from £1,000 to £75,000 in the initial tranche with an average request for £21,000 financial assistance. Those supported locally so far include Belleek Church Of Ireland, Garrison Church of Ireland, Boho Community Association, Cashel Community Association, Kinawley Community Hall Association, Killesher Community Development Association, Share Discovery Village, Glendurragh Childcare Ltd  and Tempo Community Preschool.

For more information on the fund visit https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/covid-19-charities-fund

Who can apply?
Charities applying must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
1. Have been formed prior to 31 March 2020 and be a lawfully operating charity as defined by the Charities Act (NI) 2008
2. Have at least two unrelated people on its board or committee
3. Have a UK bank or building society account in the legal name of the charity with at least two unrelated people who can manage the account
4. Have been financially stable prior to the impact of COVID-19 and where The National Lottery Community Fund have no concerns regarding fraud or financial mismanagement
5. Be able to demonstrate that their fundraising or trading income has reduced due to the impact of COVID-19 and they have unavoidable costs to cover up to 30 September 2020
6. Have unavoidable costs that cannot be covered by existing grants or public funding
7. Have not received other COVID-19 financial support from NI Executive departments:
• Department for the Economy Small Business Support;
• Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Grant
• Microbusiness Hardship Fund
• £6.5m fund for charities released by the Department of Finance for Hospices and charities

Who won’t be able to apply?
Your charity is not eligible if it is a:
• Community Amateur Sports Club
• Community Interest Company
• Non charitable social enterprise
• Non charitable trading arm