WITH the cost-of-living crisis continuing to directly impact many of the most vulnerable households in the Borough, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) hopes to provide financial assistance to organisations within the community after setting aside £100,000 to create a Community Support Fund.
The Council plans to use the fund to offer five one-off grants of around £20,000 to local organisations. The grants could be used by organisations to fund specific projects, expand existing services or to aid new needs that have been identified.
TWBC welcomes applications for the grants until 5pm on Friday January 19.
Leader of the Council Ben Chapelard said told the Times: “The community organisations who received grants last time do amazing work but sadly we live in a society where too many still rely on their help. It is very important therefore for the Borough Partnership to do all it can through the Community Support Fund”
Last year, several charities, including Nourish, Charlie’s Angels Kitchen, West Kent Mind, Number 1 Community Trust and six community larders benefited from the financial aid.
To be eligible for a grant, organisations must be recognised as one of the following: registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, unincorporated associations, trusts, limited companies, PLCs, schools, or a Parish Council in the Borough.
As part of the application process, organisations will be required to provide a business plan to explain the nature of the support they intend to offer and will require an auditable return once the funds have been spent.
The Council has suggested that smaller groups or organisations work together or with larger organisations to make a joint application.
For further information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit: tunbridgewells.gov.uk/community-and-leisure/love-where-we-live/ community-support-fund
