In just 10 weeks, Dorset Community Foundation has awarded half a million pounds in 188 grants to local groups and charities addressing needs caused by the coronavirus emergency.

Grant Robson, foundation director explained, “The coronavirus emergency created a huge demand for support from hundreds of charities and groups, both established and emerging. Within days of the lock-down starting we set up our Coronavirus Community Fund and corresponding appeal which attracted donations from local companies, generous local individuals, charitable trusts and national funders. We have never been more relevant, acting fast and responding when Dorset needs it most.

“We are by no means finished and with the help of our donors we will continue funding as Dorset picks itself up, the lock-down retreats and fresh challenges emerge.”

Dorchester Family Support, a project run by Dorchester Foodbank, received £3,000 which will enable the charity to provide food parcels during school holidays to disadvantaged families around Dorchester and the surrounding villages.

People First Dorset, a charity supporting people with learning disabilities, received a grant of £5,000.

Spokesperson Laura Kerr said, “The grant from Dorset Community Foundation is enabling people with learning disabilities across Dorset, many of whom struggle to understand COVID-19 information, to receive a fortnightly newsletter from People First Dorset with the latest Government and local updates in an accessible format, together with fun activities, opportunities to connect with friends and to have their questions answered.”

For more details on the work of Dorset Community Foundation please visit www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.