Lincolnshire Community Foundation launching coronavirus crisis fund to support the community

Trustees and staff at Lincolnshire Community Foundation have considered the current situation regarding the impact of the coronavirus and have decided to launch an appeal to raise funds to support those community groups and organisations responding to local need as it unfolds.

Sue Fortune, joint CEO of the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, said: “We are all deeply concerned about the people in all of our communities at this time, particularly those who are vulnerable and isolated.

“Naturally we have anxieties around how they are going to cope with the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Coronavirus presents a significant increase to the challenges communities in Lincolnshire face and are already dealing with.

“This, against the backdrop of relentless and increasing strain on our voluntary and community sector, means that there will be a greater call on our Community Foundation to support people and places in the coming months.

“We anticipate those most likely to be affected by social isolation and serious illness are older people who either get the disease or self-isolate out of fear.

“At the same time, we resolutely stand by the people helping support others, doing the necessary small things that mean so much in a time of crisis.

“Initially, we are focusing on the elderly and vulnerable but will remain vigilant and flexible as this unprecedented situation develops.

“Dependent upon on the success of the fund, we would like to offer between £500 and £3,000 of emergency funding to community organisations and groups working with older people, aged 50 and over, to help them to deliver support around emerging issues relating to the virus.

“We are in a unique position to support the local efforts that will see us all through this crisis.”

To make a donation visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/lincolnshirecovid19fund