By Cllr Greg Peck
Voluntary organisations that support people in Norfolk struggling with the cost of living can now apply for two new grants from Norfolk’s Household Support Fund.
A total of £2.15 million of funding, from a combination of UK government and Norfolk County Council sources, is being made available to voluntary, charity and social enterprises that are supporting those people struggling.
Of this, £1.35 million is available as part of a one-off grant funding pot that will enable community groups and social enterprises to meet the emergency needs of residents, particularly those at the highest risk of living in poverty and those who have higher than average costs due to specific needs such as care.
Applications for this Community Based Hardship Support Fund must be made by 31 May, with grants of £10,000–50,000 available, and can be made online.
In addition, £800,000 is being made available to organisations that are already supporting people in Norfolk, to help meet any emerging needs that these individuals may have, such as help with the cost of food and energy.
An applicant organisation can receive up to £20,000 to distribute to individuals in grants of up to £100 to help meet these costs. Applications for this funding, via the Norfolk Household Support Fund, are open until 30 September, and can be made online.
Both schemes are being administered on behalf of Norfolk County Council by the Norfolk Community Foundation. Any voluntary, community or social enterprise that works to support Norfolk residents can now apply to either fund.
The funding for these schemes comes from Norfolk’s £7.14 million Household Support Fund for April to September 2024, comprising £6.7 million allocated by central government topped up with a further £435,000 from Norfolk County Council.
Between 2021 and September this year, a total of £43.5 million will have been allocated to the Household Support Fund in Norfolk, comprising £40.2 million from central government and £3.29 million funded by Norfolk County Council.
Anyone in Norfolk struggling with living costs can also request support or advice HERE or by calling 0344 800 8020.
Cllr Greg Peck, Norfolk County Council, Reepham Division
Tel: 07972 230282
Email: greg.peck.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk