Charities and groups, particularly those who serve the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, are actively being encouraged to apply for funds by the National Emergencies Trust (NET).
Research shows that people of BAME background are at significantly increased risk of COVID-19. This was the topic of the webinar on 26 May 2020, from the Standing Together coalition. A recording is available online.
The central aim of NET is to distribute funds as quickly as possible to help those in urgent need, which is why it wants to encourage applications from charities that are supporting hard hit BAME communities.
NET has partnered with UK Community Foundations to distribute the funds from its Coronavirus Appeal ensuring that, during the coronavirus pandemic, local communities across the UK are supported in the best way possible.
By funding local grass roots charities and distribution partners, NET ensures that fundamental support is delivered to those who need it most.
Since the launch of the appeal on 18 March, the Coronavirus Appeal has received more than £80m in pledges and, through UK Community Foundations, NET has already distributed over £30m to a diverse range of grass roots charities and groups. It hopes that through identifying where the need is most and providing support, the funding can transform lives.
‘Our focus is getting funds to those who need them the most as quickly as possible, which is why we want to encourage applications from charities supporting BAME communities.
‘It’s becoming clear that these communities are at heightened risk from COVID-19, so it’s crucial that they are aware of, and can access, the support on offer.
‘I would like to urge relevant charities to contact their local Community Foundation who can help them to apply for National Emergencies Trust funding. In many cases, approved grants are being made available within a week’, said Jehangir Malik, Founder Trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum, Co-Optee of the National Emergencies Trust and Chair of its Equity Working Group.
How to apply for funds
If you are part of a BAME organisation based anywhere in the UK and are looking for funding to provide relief for those in need, please find your local Community Foundation here.
