Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council partners with Greenham Trust to establish Cost of Living Community Fund

Local community groups and charities supporting North Hampshire residents struggling with the cost of living are to be given a boost from £85,000 worth of funding.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has partnered with Greenham Trust to establish the Cost of Living Community Fund.

The joint scheme will be open to any not-for-profit community or voluntary sector organisation located and delivering services in the borough of Basingstoke and Deane.

Councillor Jenny Vaux said: “Community and voluntary groups play a vital role in our borough and we value their contribution.

“The council has a strong track record of supporting organisations to make a real difference in their communities.

“During this time of rising bills and energy costs, it is important that where possible we give additional support to the organisations that are struggling with the increasing demand to assist residents.”

Applications to the scheme will need to demonstrate clearly how the funding will help the borough’s residents with the rising cost of living, providing evidence there is a real community need for the resources the funding is being sought for.

The total budget allocated to the community grant scheme for 2022/23 is £85,000, and organisations can apply for a grant of up to £5,000.

Greenham Trust chief executive Chris Boulton said: “Residents are under ever increasing financial pressure and this fund is really important to help local charities and organisations to support those in need.”

Organisations can find out more and apply online at https://bit.ly/3Hxc6gt

Under exceptional circumstances, a grant of more than £5,000 may be awarded.