Community Foundation doubles fundraising target

On achieving its goal of £1m in donations, the Community Foundation for Lancashire is now hoping to raise £2m in aid of individuals and families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Lancashire COVID-19 Community Support Fund hit its seven-figure target within two months of its launch, including £907,830 from the National Emergencies Trust, £220,000 from the Lancashire Resilience Forum, with additional funds secured from online giving including direct donations from the public and local businesses.

More than £892,706 has already been sent to more than 220 community groups on the frontline, with further funds being distributed on a weekly basis.

Rae Brooke, chief executive for the Community Foundation for Lancashire, said: “What is crucial in any emergency situation is speed of response. Managing to build a fund of over £1m in two months is incredible but what is equally impressive is the speed of distributing over £890,000 of that to community groups supporting those in desperate and immediate need.

“The needs of the most vulnerable will be evident for months, and in some cases even years, to come. This is why we continue to call on those, with the capacity to do so, to donate to the Lancashire COVID-19 Community Support Fund as we aim to raise £2m.”

Further details on how to donate can be found here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/lancashirecovid19 

Organisations can apply for grants by visiting: https://lancsfoundation.org.uk/funds/lancashire-covid-19-community-support-fund

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