The National Emergencies Trust has launched the Local Action Fund with Crowdfunder to support voluntary organisations affected by the pandemic

A new fund has been launched to help voluntary sector organisations bounce back from coronavirus.

The National Emergencies Trust has launched a £1.2m Local Action Fund with Crowdfunder UK to support community and voluntary organisations to counter the financial impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Organisations have the opportunity to receive up to £10,000 each in match-funding from the National Emergencies Trust's Coronavirus Appeal.

The Coronavirus Appeal has raised more than £98m since it launched in March 2020, with over £93m already distributed to more than 13,500 charities and groups across the UK supporting  people affected by the pandemic. By matching remaining appeal funds on Crowdfunder, the Local Action Fund aims to reach even more small organisations playing a vital role in their communities, while super-charging the support that is available.

Since the pandemic, small charities and voluntary groups have been dealing with increased demand on their services without being able to fundraise in the usual ways. With many having had to invest their reserves to keep operating safely, the Local Action Fund aims to provide vital financial help, while opening new avenues of income for those who may not have tried out crowdfunding before.  Eligible charities and groups will be able to use the funding in any way that enables their efforts, from covering core costs to launching new local services.

The National Emergencies Trust hopes the partnership with Crowdfunder will reach small and micro organisations that have not yet accessed funding from its Coronavirus Appeal, either due to lack of awareness or not having the resources to apply for funding.

Mhairi Sharp, chief executive of the National Emergencies Trust said: "Local groups have shown incredible ingenuity and resilience through the pandemic. Through the Coronavirus Appeal we've seen community theatres turn into radio stations to connect with the isolated. Domestic Abuse charities adapt services at speed to cope with surges in demand. And so many more stories of ensuring compassion and commitment.

"But all of this incredible work has taken a financial toll on these organisations, who have faced much greater need but with far fewer ways to fundraise. We hope that the Local Action Fund will offer a welcome financial boost to brilliant local charities and groups across the UK, and enable them to keep making a positive difference to people's lives."

Rob Love, co-founder and chief executive of Crowdfunder, said: "Over the course of the pandemic, the National Emergencies Trust has been carrying out vital work across the UK, raising over £98million so far to distribute to those in need. This new funding opportunity is an incredible way to help community and voluntary organisations who might have otherwise been unaware of the help on offer."

Applications for the Local Action Fund open on 22 September and close on 22 October. If eligible, successful organisations will be required to set up a crowdfunding campaign with an aim to raise money to either launch new  local initiatives or to enable them to continue existing services. The National Emergencies Trust will match donations, pound for pound, up to a total of £10,000.

Eligible organisations include registered charities, community interest companies, constituted organisations and non-registered charities, churches and other religious organisations, and other voluntary community organisations deemed appropriate by Crowdfunder.

For more information and to find out how to apply, visit the website