The Cumbria Covid-19 Response Fund supports local activities that are helping communities affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It offers local charitable and community organisations funding to support emerging challenges faced within Cumbrian communities as a result of the continuing threat of coronavirus.

The focus of the Fund will continue to evolve in line with need and help required. Types of activity the Fund has prioritised:
• providing groceries, household essentials and delivery of medicines to vulnerable people who are self-isolating
• coordination of volunteers and charitable effort to support vulnerable people who are self-isolating
• direct and immediate practical support for vulnerable groups
• supporting vulnerable and isolated people to return home from hospital
• reaching out to isolated older and vulnerable people by telephone and social media to support positive mental health.
• initiatives to reduce isolation and vulnerability
• advice and guidance and emotional, mental health and bereavement support
• enabling charitable groups to work remotely and adapting services

We are encouraging all groups to coordinate their work through their District Community Resilience Group and to register volunteer support via: www.supportcumbria.org.uk, which has over 800 volunteers registered.

Grants awarded: we have so far awarded £2,970,555 from various funds within the Foundation to 194 organisations that are responding to the pandemic. Some organisations have received multiple grants. Applications were considered initially every week and then every fortnight.

Guidelines and an online application form are available on the website of the Cumbria Community Foundation.

Useful Links

•  Cumbria Community Foundation - COVID-19 Response Fund