Mutual Aid grants are a lifeline for wards, so they can bring aid to those in need
CASE STUDY: DOLLIS HILL MUTUAL AID WELFARE GRANT
Dollis Hill applied for the Mutual Aid Welfare grant, as we needed funds to reimburse our generous volunteers who were, on occasion, paying for provisions requested by residents. We realised this was not sustainable, so decided to apply for a grant.
Our volunteers were helping residents who did not have recourse to public funds or who had recently lost their jobs or sources of income, and who had not managed to complete the forms to receive welfare benefits. Some people relied on going to the food banks to supplement income and this is not as easy now. These residents needed help to 'fill the gap' until they were signed up for emergency council provisions or government benefits.
Each Mutual Aid group can apply through the charity with whom they work. In our case it was St Catherine's Church. You need to attach evidence showing that the charity has certain necessary documents, e.g. a safeguarding policy, insurance, and a dedicated banking system to ensure transparency for the use of the funds. In our case, Reverend Rob Harrison and I worked together in order to complete all the sections. The process is not as arduous as it first seems, once you access the forms the process becomes easier! We understood why we had to complete the forms, as we were intending to use taxpayers money we are accountable for why we need the funds.
We have a few more forms to complete now that we have been successful in receiving the grant.
You are welcome to email: brentmutualaid@gmail.com should you wish to contact Dollis Hill for their ward’s experience in applying for the grant. You can also apply to CVS as directed by the council, using the details BELOW.
Liz Dixon
MUTUAL AID GRANT
TARGETED TO MUTUAL AID GROUPS IN BRENT
Brent Council is offering small grants of up to £500 targeted at helping the 20 Mutual Aid groups in Brent.
A Mutual Aid group must work with one of the registered partner organisations, who can apply on their behalf. The organisation must be based in Brent and able to demonstrate support from the local community for their proposed project.
The Mutual Aid organisation will be required to sign up to CVS Brent’s ‘Safety Framework for Community Groups’ pack, if working with children and/or vulnerable adults, which will be part of the application form. Applications can be submitted at any time whilst the grant is available.
Are you in need of support to help your group or organisation meet the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond?
Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis to ensure decisions are made quickly.
The project should be a one-off activity with a clear beginning and end.
Further details, guidance, and the
Expression of Interest form, can be found here.
Comments