Grants available to support vulnerable people in Doncaster this winter

The grants will be managed by the Social Isolation and Loneliness Alliance (SIA which is a collaboration of partners from the public, voluntary, community and faith sectors working to support Doncaster communities. It aims to eliminate social isolation and loneliness and offers opportunities to enable all people to develop positive, life-changing, life-long connections.

The grants are designed to assist voluntary, community and faith sector (VCFS) organisations in helping people come together safely and reducing social isolation and loneliness this winter.

Applications of up to £5,000 will be considered and funding must be spent by March 31, 2022.  Applications will be considered by a panel of representatives from the VCFS sector and the Local Authority.

Applications for the VCFS Winter Support Fund are open to VCFS organisations. To be eligible to apply and receive funding, the organisation must:

• Be a not for profit, third sector, voluntary or community group. 
• Be connected with or meet the needs of Doncaster communities. 
• Have a bank or building society account where at least two signatories are required to draw funds. 
• Have a governing document that has a minimum of name, aim and membership. 
• Meet due diligence requirements, especially around safeguarding. 
• Have evidence of community involvement in their application. 

The fund will be open until all funding has been allocated and organisations can only apply once.

Jon Whiteley, deputy chief executive of DCLT, which manages the SIA, said: “Winter can be an especially difficult time for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and socially isolated.

“The goal of the VCFS Winter Support Fund is to support those organisations whose activities are helping to reduce loneliness in our community this winter. We are proud to support the vital work VCFS organisations do in Doncaster and I urge eligible organisations to apply for funding.”

For more information about the VCFS Winter Support Fund, including activities which may be supported with funding, and to download the application form, visit: https://www.voluntaryactiondoncaster.org.uk/funding/doncaster-vcfs-fund