SOMERSET Community Foundation (SCF) has raised an incredible £500,000 for vital local charities supporting communities affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

In the four months since Somerset Community Foundation first launched their Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal, more than £500,000 has been raised for Somerset.

The Somerset Cost-of-Living Fund, supported by the funds raised by the Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal, has now been launched to help community groups and local charities that are experiencing financial challenges.

Grants (money that does not need to be paid back) from £1,000 to £10,000 are now available to help reduce the additional financial impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.

Laura Blake, philanthropy director at SCF said: “We are extremely concerned about people on very low incomes, and donations from the Appeal will support crucial local charities such as debt advice services, food banks, mental health support and support for those experiencing homelessness.”

Groups can apply to the Somerset Cost-of-Living Fund for a grant from now until Wednesday, December 21.

Laura continues: “Our local charities will be vital in helping people in the coming months, but they themselves are facing a triple threat of increased demand, soaring costs and fewer donations from the public.

“We know that people in our communities on lower incomes will be hit harder by this cost-of-living crisis. Our small, local charities are vital to Somerset’s social fabric and we’ll need them more than ever to help tackle this disadvantage and keep our communities strong through these toughest of times.”

To donate to the Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/costofliving or, if that isn’t possible, call 01749 344949.

Groups based in Somerset wishing to apply for a grant should visit Somerset Community Foundation’s website, here: www.somersetcf.org.uk/somerset-cost-of-living-crisis-fund or call 01749 344949 before Wednesday 21 December.

Somerset Community Foundation is a charity that helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy. 

Since SCF were founded in 2002 they’ve awarded over £20 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.