Cheshire East Council has extended the community response and recovery fund so that it can continue to support local organisations through this pandemic with a grant up to the value of £20,000.

The original aim of the Covid-19 community response and recovery fund was to support not for profit organisations to adapt to new ways of offering support to communities, both during and following the coronavirus pandemic, as well as maintain and continue to offer services whilst government restrictions are in place.

Cllr Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for communities, said: "On behalf of Cheshire East Council, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the voluntary, community and faith sector organisations that have applied so far and for the vital role they have all played.

"The council has so far provided £168,000 of funding to 47 organisations from food banks to mentoring programmes for students in need of emotional support during the pandemic. There is now a wealth of projects and local initiatives available to support our communities through these extremely challenging times.

"The council is still in a position to continue to fund projects that will have a high impact over the winter months and focus on supporting those organisations which can assist residents who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to the economic impact caused by Covid-19."

Not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding up to a maximum of £5,000 for local projects and services for both response and recovery-type applications, which meet local need. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Food bank services

• Food distribution

• Breakfast clubs

• Fuel poverty

• Providing support for people to access any other essential supplies

Applications will be considered up to £10,000 and the council expects organisations to be able to clearly demonstrate that a wide geographical footprint will be covered for the proposed project as well as connecting with other established related projects.

Applications will also be considered for grants up to £20,000 from organisations as long as this is a collaborative application from two or more organisations working together on the proposed project and that sustainability of the project can be demonstrated.

The link to the web page for more information and to submit an application can be found the council website.

Local charities and community organisations can apply for grants towards the cost of getting food and other essentials to those who need it the most by delivering essential Covid-19 related services.

Funding will be allocated where organisations can demonstrate a required need and where clear outcomes can be achieved. The council says it aims to make funding decisions as quickly as possible on a rolling basis and will be providing this funding until early 2021.