South Gloucestershire Council, in partnership with the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) Leaders Board, has launched a grant scheme to help organisations struggling to meet the running costs of delivering services to our communities.

This scheme has been set up in response to the cost-of-living crisis and the pressure that this has put on VCSE organisations in South Gloucestershire.

Some criteria:

• Small, community-led organisations with an annual turnover of £50,000 or less, are eligible to apply for funding
• Funding can be used to support VCSE organisations in financial crisis, to fund running costs for fuel, power and transport
• The minimum grant is £500 and the maximum grant is £5000

The deadline for receipt of applications is 03 September 2023.

Decisions have been delegated to a panel of VCSE representatives and council officers, which will include a service director.

Awards will be paid to successful applicants in October to cover running costs for winter 2023/24.

Labour Councillor Alison Evans, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, said: “The Council only has limited amounts of money to help voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in need, but the money we do have we will use to the greatest effect.

“Voluntary organisations do incredible work across South Gloucestershire. We need them more than ever.

“We want to see as many of them getting through this cost-of-living crisis as possible.”

Use this link to apply for VSCE CoL support: Application for VCSE cost of living support (office.com)