Applications for new digital and winter support community grant open

Applications for two new funds for community and voluntary sector organisations to support individuals and groups affected by Covid are open now, funded through the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF).

Digital grant

A fund of £50,000 is available through COMF to support innovative digital solutions in the voluntary sector for vulnerable people. 

The funding is available for the period up to 31 March 2022 only, with a report on delivery due by 30 April 2022.

Expressions of interest are invited by voluntary organisations working in the city. 

We’re looking for proposals that improve digital access to services for vulnerable clients, by capitalising on the channel shift that has already been happening as a result of the pandemic.

The deadline to send expressions of interest is Wednesday 29 September 2021.

Winter grant

Funding of £90,000 is also available to provide grants of up to £5,000 to voluntary sector organisations providing direct support for residents with food, fuel and essential items over the winter.

This includes support for schemes working with young people.

Organisations wishing to apply need to e-mail communitiesteam@brighton-hove.gov.uk by Friday 24 September, with the deadlines to return applications by Friday 15 October. 

Applying information

For more information on both funds, visit our Contain Outbreak Management Fund page.

Local community groups, voluntary organisations and not-for-profit social enterprises can apply for the funding. All funding needs to be used by 31 March 2022.

Support where it’s most needed

Councillor Steph Powell, co-chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture committee, said: 

“While restrictions are lifted, Covid is still very much with us - as are the financial impacts that will affect many residents for some time to come.

“Both grants are aimed at getting extra support where it’s most needed. We hope they support the many valued community and voluntary sector groups in the city to expand their services.

“The pandemic has resulted in more people using digital methods to interact with services, and with each other.

“Our digital innovation fund is aimed at improving digital access to advice and support that many people are now more comfortable with.”