Coronavirus response
Supporting the voluntary and community sector to respond to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus appeal
In mid-March we launched the Wiltshire & Swindon Coronavirus Response Appeal to provide immediate relief to vulnerable local people. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have raised over £1.2 million and awarded 265 grants to groups. Sadly, the pandemic is here to stay for longer than any of us hoped. Many local community groups are facing the prospect of closure as they deal with the impact of lost income and increased costs due to higher demand on their services. The reality is that without funding, our voluntary community groups will disappear.
Please donate to our appeal and enable the voluntary and community sector to continue to support vulnerable people across Wiltshire and Swindon.
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Coronavirus response grants
Our Foundation Coronavirus Response & Recovery Grants programme supports local charities and voluntary organisations who are responding to the immediate challenges communities are facing due to the pandemic and their recovery over the coming months. This flexible programme covers both coronavirus related costs and general running costs or projects.
ApplySupport to date
Over £1.1 million has been awarded to 199 community groups with more applications under assessment. We have funded groups providing support for the elderly, young people, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, families on low incomes, carers and people struggling with their mental health. Additionally, we have awarded grants to organisations working with issues such as homelessness, domestic abuse, disability and poverty and funded numerous Covid-19 response initiatives.
Almost 155,000 people across Wiltshire and Swindon whose lives have been affected by the pandemic have been supported.
Other support available
Wiltshire Citizens Advice
"Our Coronavirus Response Fund grant is going to make a huge difference as it will allow us to provide early intervention and hopefully enable people to stay in their home and not get into debt.”
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Devizes Covid19 Support
“Looking back now it is hard to believe just what we have achieved and how quickly our community galvanised to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic."
Read MoreA heartfelt thank you
We have been overwhelmed by the response to our appeal and would like to acknowledge the generous donations from the Wiltshire public and organisations including: the National Emergencies Trust, DCMS, the Underwood Trust, Deepest Wiltshire, Zurich Community Trust, Wessex Water, SGN, Thames Water, Oakfield Community Response Fund and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon.
Your support has made a real difference.