Shropshire Council has now launched a small grants programme aimed at helping local communities respond to or cope with the current Covid-19 crisis. In total £75,000 is available to be distributed. Grants of up to £500 are being made available and may be used for either:

• supporting a local community response to Covid-19, OR
• sustaining a local asset, e.g. village hall, which has been adversely affected by loss of income as a result of the coronavirus crisis

Applications may be made by the following types of organisation:

• A not-for-profit voluntary or community organisation
• A registered charity
• A not for profit company or community interest company or other social enterprise
• A parish or town council

The funding is being made available in up to 3 waves. The first funding window opens on 2^nd April and closes on Friday 17^th April 2020. Any applications received after the first wave closes will be held over to the next one which will follow shortly afterwards – further updates will be provided as this progresses.

Full guidance and application forms are available on a dedicated web page https://shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/grant-funding-opportunities-and-resources-for-local-communities/covid-19-small-grants-programme/ . Applicants are encouraged to speak to their local elected member and may also seek help and advice from their local Community Reassurance Team who can be contacted at communityreassurance@shropshire.gov.uk .