Forever Manchester is offering up to £5000 for those supporting people during COVID-19

Greater Manchester community groups are being urged to take up the offer of financial support from Forever Manchester to support their response to the impact of COVID‐19. 

These unprecedented times are having an impact on voluntary and social sector organisations across Greater Manchester and grassroots community groups are responding with kindness and compassion, coming together to help those most affected. 

Forever Manchester is working with the UK Community Foundations and the National Emergencies Trust (NET) to raise money to support community activity across Greater Manchester and is offering awards of up to £5000 for groups in the city region who are supporting their communities during these unprecedented times. 

Applicants must be a constituted community group with their own bank account and relevant safeguarding policies in place and be based in the Greater Manchester borough where they are offering help. More information and details on how to apply for funding can be found at forevermanchester.com/community‐support‐fund, while a list of recipients so far can be found here.

Local community groups can also apply for support from the National Lottery Community Fund, which helps to distribute money raised by lottery players across a wide range and projects and activities. It is currently prioritising funding for organisations that are supporting people who are at high risk from COVID‐19 and communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges due to the pandemic. 

Alongside its usual support, the fund is distributing £310m of government funding across the country, targeted at organisations responding to the COVID‐19 emergency. Voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups can find more information and details on how to apply at tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.

Nick Massey, Chief Executive of Forever Manchester said: “Local groups understand how they can best help their communities at this time and we are doing everything we can to support them through it.

“I would encourage any community group that might need some extra money to help those most at need to have a look at the funding that is available from Forever Manchester. 

“We don’t want to limit the type of request that can be made so just let us know what you want to do and how it supports your community and we will consider the application. Local community organisations can have a massive impact on the communities they serve during these difficult times and we want to do everything we can to support them.”


For more charitable initiatives and ways to help, see our COVID-19 Action page