Cambridgeshire coronavirus charity smashes £1 million target

The Coronavirus Community Fund was launched by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation in March, and has now raised £1,024,000.

Due to the pandemic many groups have had to make adaptations to their services to continue providing support to the community. As a result of Covid-19 restrictions, many fundraising opportunities have been cancelled, as such the funds to make these changes and continue supporting the community have become stretched.

However, thanks to The Cambridgeshire Coronavirus Community Fund, many organisations have been able to continue supporting their communities.

The assistance these supported organisations provide vary enormously, including projects addressing: financial hardship, hunger, homelessness, health issues, home education, need for self-isolation/shielding and loneliness.

Michael O’Toole, CEO of the Foundation: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported this appeal.

“From young people donating their pocket-money through to tens of thousands donated by our local businesses - the generosity of people who want to make a difference has been staggering.

“The support from Cambridgeshire County Council has been simply fundamental to the success of the appeal. The very significant donations, £175,000, to date has been the largest local contributor. More than just the impact of the funding, the partnership with CCC has helped develop the focus of the fund and has provided vital insight into the needs of communities.

“The response to the appeal has allowed us to fund incredible charities and community groups across our county, who have worked tirelessly to support the most vulnerable in our communities to get through this.

“So far we have awarded 190 grants that have provided £724,000 of emergency funding.”

Despite this success, the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation need to continue raising more funds. Due to the pandemic, many brilliant local charities supporting vulnerable residents during this difficult time are at risk of disappearing.

The pandemic has highlighted and furthered pre-existing inequalities within communities. As we enter the recovery phase of the health crisis the foundation aims to continue helping local charities and community groups that are supporting the most vulnerable communities. This will includes providing aid for those hardest hit economically, young people, women & families affected by domestic violence, BAME communities and people with disabilities.

Councillor Steve Criswell, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities and Partnership Committee, said: “It is incredible that the Coronavirus Community Fund has managed to reach the £1m.

“This achievement is a great example of what can be achieved when we join our communities and come together to support one another”

You can find out more and donate to fund at their Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Coronaviruscommunityfund.