Kimmins Welcomes Reopening Of COVID-19 Charities Fund

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed the announcement of the reopening of the COVID-19 Charities Fund. 

Liz Kimmins said: “Many charities are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions that have had to be put in place has curtailed normal fundraising activities. 

“As a result, some charities have found themselves in difficult situations and have been unable to cover their costs. 

“This too has had a knock-on impact on the many people helped by these charities. 

“I welcome today’s announcement from Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín that the COVID-19 Charities Fund will reopen from August 3rd and will provide financial support to charities who are unable to cover their costs up until September 30th. 

“It will provide up to £75,000 for eligible organisations and will allow them to continue their work. 

“Charities provide a lifeline to so many in our society and this funding today will provide them with help to continue to support those most in need,” said Liz Kimmins. 

Charities urged to apply for emergency funding

THE COVID-19 Charities Fund is reopening on 3 August, Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has today announced.

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 which have lost income due to the impact of COVID-19 and are unable to cover unavoidable costs until 30 September 2020.

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.

During a visit to Blackie River Community Group in west Belfast, which was successful in the first funding round, the Minister urged all eligible charities to apply to the funding programme, which will be open for three weeks from Monday.

The Minister explained: “Blackie River Community Group was one of the successful applicants of the first round of the COVID-19 Charities Fund.

“I have seen how they this funding from the Department for Communities will be used to enable them to continue to provide vital support for the community.

“It is really important that we help those who helped us during this global pandemic and I am delighted to be launching the second round of the COVID-19 Charities Fund, which will be open for applications from 3 August.

“Reopening for a further three weeks will ensure more groups have the opportunity to apply and I would encourage all organisations including small and grassroot groups to apply to the fund.

“Over a third of applications to date have been for less than £10,000 so this fund is for all charities of all sizes facing different levels of financial hardship.”

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 will vary for each organisation. 

Organisations wishing to avail of the funding programme must meet a number of eligibility points. Help is available to make an application. Further information can be found on the Department’s website at:

 www.communities-ni.gov.uk/covid-19-charities-fund