New grants to help Norfolk residents open for applications

Voluntary organisations who support people struggling with the cost of living in Norfolk can now apply for two new grants from Norfolk's Household Support Fund.

£2.15m of funding, from a combination of UK Government and Norfolk County Council sources, is being made available to Voluntary, Charity and Social Enterprises in Norfolk that are supporting those struggling with the cost of living.

Of this, £1.35m is available as part of a one-off grant funding pot that will enable community groups and social enterprises to meet the emergency needs of residents, particularly those at the highest risk of living in poverty and those who have higher than average costs due to specific needs such as care costs. Application for this Community Based Hardship Support Fund must be made by 31 May, with grants of £10,000 - £50,000 available.

Applications can be made online at: norfolkfoundation.com/funding-support/grants/groups/community-based-hardship-support-fund

In addition, £800,000 is being made available to organisations that are already supporting people in Norfolk, to help meet any emerging needs these individuals may have, such as help with the cost of food and energy. An applicant organisation can receive up to £20,000 to distribute to individuals in grants of up to £100 to help meet these costs. Applications for this funding, via the Norfolk Household Support Fund, are open until 30th September.

Applications can be made online at: norfolkfoundation.com/funding-support/grants/groups/norfolk-household-support-fund-5

Cllr Andrew Jamieson, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "I am very pleased that the Government agreed to continue the Household Support Fund, if only for six months: we lobbied hard for its extension. While inflation has come down from its peak, it's vital that we all remember how many people are still struggling financially. These funds will help people who are in hardship, and allow community groups who know their areas best to provide the right kind of support swiftly and compassionately."

Both schemes are being administered on behalf of Norfolk County Council by the Norfolk Community Foundation. Any voluntary, community or social enterprise which works to support Norfolk residents can now apply to either fund online.

The funding for these schemes comes from Norfolk's £7.135m Household Support Fund for April to September 2024, comprising £6.7m allocated by central government topped up with a further £435,000 from Norfolk County Council.

Between 2021 and September this year, a total of £43.485m will have been allocated to the Household Support Fund in Norfolk, comprising £40.2m from central government and £3.285m funded by Norfolk County Council.

Anyone in Norfolk struggling with living costs can also request support or advice via norfolk.gov.uk/costofliving or by calling 0344 800 8020.