Charities can apply for up to £5,000 from the Safer Dorset Fund Covid-19 Grant.

“Just as key workers are on the frontline during this crisis, so charities are providing absolutely vital services or are planning work which will be essential once lockdown is finally lifted,” said Martyn Underhill. “Sadly, while Covid-19 is likely to create a surge in demand for the types of services provided by many charities, it has also left them incapable of doing their normal fundraising activities so I hope this grant scheme will provide a necessary lifeline for many groups.”

The funding can be used either as an emergency stop-gap for charities struggling financially due to the effects of Covid-19, for them to help with the emergence of new issues due to Covid-19 and social isolation measures, or for issues which arise as the UK begins recovering after the lockdown measures are lifted.

Applications from £100 up to £5,000 are welcomed from charities registered with the Charity Commission that are struggling financially due to the effects of Covid-19, looking to run a project to meet an emerging issue during the Covid-19 crisis or planning to run a project to deal with the fall-out from the Covid-19 crisis. The grants are open to charities that can help Dorset residents, but particularly those that work to help victims of crime, reduce reoffending, or otherwise meet the objectives of the county’s Police and Crime Plan.

Organisations that have previously received Safer Dorset Funds may submit an application for Covid-19 Grant funding. The new Covid-19 Grant awarding process will allow for a timely evaluation of applications to ensure charities access the funding as quickly as possible.

For more information, including a list of the criteria, or to make an application visit https://www.dorset.pcc.police.uk/working-in-partnership/safer-dorset-fund-community-grant/