A £720,000 'Community Resilience Fund' has been launched today (April 18) by Kingston Council in a bid to support the borough's community, voluntary and cultural groups through the current economic crisis.

The fund, created as part of the local authority's 2023/24 budget, will focus on investing in Kingston's culture and wellbeing and to aid groups with their vital work, many of whom have been crippled by rising energy bills and rent payments.

After officially launching today, the scheme will run for one year and will offer Kingston community groups three opportunities to apply for funding.

Applications for the first round of funding can be made between 24 April and 31 May, with collaborative bids involving joint working between organisations also encouraged.

Funding table for the new Community Resilience Fund

Leader of Kingston Council, Cllr Andreas Kirsch said: "Kingston's community, voluntary and cultural organisations are invaluable in supporting communities across the borough. We all need to ensure these organisations can survive and navigate the cost of living crisis, so they can continue the vital work they do to support and enrich the lives of people throughout the borough. 

"The Community Resilience Fund is designed to ensure that not only can groups manage, but also feel confident in planning future activities that will continue to support residents through all kinds of activities for all ages and needs. We want to help establish a sustainable future for community and cultural groups."

Organisations will be able to apply for three types of funding through the new fund. Grants of up to £3,000 will be available for core costs such as rent and energy bills, up to £5,000 for small projects to maintain or develop a community resilience response, or up to £20,000 to develop a new approach.

For further details on the Community Resilience Fund, visit the link HERE