Published on 16th September 2020

Infographic showing how funding has been allocated to community groups and voluntary sector agencies

Cheltenham Borough Council has now allocated £100k worth of community resilience grants to 51 local community groups and voluntary sector agencies.

The pool of money was brought together during the COVID-19 pandemic, through Cheltenham Borough Council’s annual community pride fund along with £50k funding from Gloucestershire County Council.

Councillor Steve Jordan, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council said: “The community resilience grant fund has helped so many organisations adapt so they can continue to provide essential support and help to get our local communities back on their feet. I am sure this will provide long-term benefit for Cheltenham.

‘’I am pleased that the funding will help such a wide range of people including those who have been vulnerable and shielding.”

As well as supporting local communities, the funding has supported those who have been vulnerable through shielding and needed help with recovery efforts.

Councillor Flo Clucas, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles commented: “Our communities and people are at the heart of Cheltenham. They are central to the health and wellbeing of our town.

“I am so proud of their commitment and determination to keep going and am very pleased that we have been able to help our local charities and organisations who have worked so hard to re-open and welcome back visitors.”

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: “The coronavirus pandemic has presented huge challenges and I’m pleased our £50k funding has provided local community groups and charities with much needed support during this time, allowing them to help those who need it.

“It’s clear from the positive feedback we have received the community resilience fund has made a huge difference to the lives of many people, which is really great.”

Quotes from organizations who have received funding:

“We all recognise how isolating this pandemic has been, especially for those who are even more cut-off as a result of their deafness so our sincere thanks to the Cheltenham Community Resilience Fund for enabling us to carry out this project in order to further support our local deaf and hard of hearing communities” Gloucestershire Deaf Association, £1302.

“I just wanted to thank you for our meals today, what you are doing is making a massive difference. I know my family can eat this week so from the bottom of my heart thank you. Honestly, I sat in the kitchen I cried cause I have food for everyone now.” Recipient of The Long Table ‘Feeding the 5000 project’, £2000.

“Thank you to the council for their support and for facilitating the work that has made a real difference.” Youth for Christ Gloucestershire, £770.

“Absolutely wonderful! Thanks so so much - our families will be completely delighted, and we’re of course over the moon too.” Cheltenham Autism Support, £1700.

Additional funding:

£4951 granted to Caring for Communities and People (CCP) to support the unprecedented demand a Cheltenham foodbank is currently experiencing. Grant money will be used to safely coordinate emergency foodbank deliveries to those who need them most.

£2890 granted to the Chinese Children and Parents Association to continue online learning for students and to enable young pupils to remain connected.

£500 granted to the Indian Association to purchase cleaning and social distancing aids to enable the community center to reopen.

£2000 granted to Cheltenham Housing Aid to support individuals who find themselves homeless during the pandemic.

If you require guidance or advice on other local support please, contact community services.

For press enquiries, please contact: communications, 01242 264231 [email protected]

Notes for editor:
Funding is still available from the Gloucestershire Community Foundation through these programmes:

Gloucestershire Coronavirus Quick Response Programme - A rolling grants programme that will accept applications of up to £5,000 which will aim to provide decisions within 2 weeks.  

Gloucestershire Coronavirus Recovery and Resilience Programme - A programme awarding larger grants of up to £10,000 with applications to be submitted via online application form (to enable the collection of more detailed applicant information) for an initial deadline of 16th September and panel meeting at the beginning of October.