The Community Foundation Northern Ireland have opened a new ‘Coronavirus Community Fund’ – open to constituted community organisations throughout Northern Ireland and who are supporting isolated older people at this time.
The funding will be offered to community organisations who are experiencing emergency issues which are affecting older people in the communities (aged 50+), as a result of the continuing situation with the Coronavirus.
This includes the threat of self isolation, and the potential of loneliness and isolation to this section of the community.
To be eligible to apply your project must support older people (aged 50 and over) and help to:
- Reduce isolation and vulnerability of older people during any isolation period that may arise as a result of the threat of covid 19,
- Supporting ongoing needs of older people, to ensure that their well being is maintained,
- Any initiative that will help ensure older people remain connected with the outside world during this time.
What can be supported within the fund themes?
- Running costs for organisations to provide such support, including volunteer expenses, staff costs, and transport; providing the organisation is focusing their attention on providing support to both existing, and any potential new beneficiaries
- Small capital costs are eligible, providing the capital item will address the priorities of the fund, and is linked to keeping the older person connected to the outside world
Examples might include:
- Enabling older people to keep warm by accessing home heating oil or warm clothes.
- Enabling older people to access a nutritious meal by connecting them to services providing groceries, and/or ready made meals.
- Enabling and encouraging older people to use and access technology to keep them connected to the outside world.
- Reaching out to isolated older people by telephone, and befriending if possible.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION NORTHERN IRELAND WEBSITE.
