The Response, Recovery and Resilience fund will move to a resilience phase from next week to continue supporting organisations responding to Covid-19

A vital fund that has supported organisations in Scotland through Covid-19 is set to move to a new phase.

Foundation Scotland is moving its dedicated crisis support fund into the resilience phase of funding from next week.

This significant funding stream has already distributed over £6 million in total to groups that are supporting some of the most vulnerable members of their community through the pandemic. 

The introduction of the new resilience phase will continue to offer support for these organisations to help them prepare for the future long-term.

The Response, Recovery and Resilience fund has supported more than 1,200 charities and constituted community groups across the country through the first two response and recovery phases. 

The initial response stage focused on urgently meeting communities’ most immediate needs. The fund then moved into recovery in August, helping organisations to continue their delivery in the ‘new normal’. The resilience phase will have a new focus on sustainability, supporting organisations to become more future proof in 2021 and beyond. Whether it is increasing capacity, investing in staff training or purchasing extra equipment, the fund will now also offer support to help start planning much further ahead.

Helen Wray, head of programmes at Foundation Scotland, said: “We have witnessed incredible strength, passion and determination from our third sector throughout 2020. Charities and community groups continue to work tirelessly the length and breadth of the country, providing the essential services the most vulnerable need to get through their everyday lives. Foundation Scotland remains dedicated to supporting these incredible organisations; to offer them the support they need to ensure their longevity for the years ahead.

“Restrictions are still in force and the virus is still very much in our daily lives. The needs of our communities are ever increasing and resilience funding is to help the sector continue to meet these needs. Resilience will focus on providing support to aid future planning, to help prepare for the longer term, and to help future proof organisations as best they can. 

“However, it is important to note that we are not closing the initial phases, we will continue to provide emergency support for those who need it most and continue to help organisations adapt their services. Organisations that have already received funding can apply again. We are encouraging all interested groups to check our website which details the new resilience criteria and funding guidelines.”

The Foundation Scotland Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund offers awards of £1,000-£5,000 for constituted community groups and registered charities.  From Tuesday 1 December, applications that fit the new resilience criteria will be prioritised. Due to a limit in funding available the charity is appealing to eligible groups to apply as soon as they can.

For more details, eligibility criteria and to apply online visit the Foundation Scotland website.