The CAF fund aims to keep organisations operating during the coronavirus crisis.
Small charities impacted by the coronavirus outbreak have been invited to apply for grants from a new emergency fund.
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Emergency Fund offers one-time grants of up to £10,000 to third sector organisations and social enterprises that are struggling to survive amid the ongoing crisis.
CAF trustees have allocated £5 million to the fund already, with further contributions expected over the coming weeks.
The UK-wide fund is open to registered charities, community groups, social enterprises and other organisations with a charitable purpose that had a turnover of less than £1 million last year. Grants will be awarded to enable them to carry on their vital work while the outbreak is ongoing.
Sir John Low, CAF chief executive, said: “Charities do a vast amount to improve every aspect of daily life in our country and are crucial to helping people at this time of national crisis. Whether they are directly involved in helping fight the pandemic or whether they are struggling because of the disruption to normal life, they urgently need our help.
“Some of the charities and small organisations we rely on are facing very difficult times. They are telling us they face financial difficulties, with fundraising events cancelled or postponed and volunteers rightly staying at home. These are the people who are delivering support in so many ways in every corner of the UK and we need them to be there during and after this crisis.
“The situation is dire and CAF has mobilised to try and help as many organisations as we can by offering immediate emergency funds.”
CAF, a charity which supports other third sector organisations, said it aims to get the money to where it’s needed “within days”.
Sir John added: “CAF is working flat out to not just deliver these funds, but to remind the wider public of the essential role that charities and non-profit organisations are playing in the thick of this emergency.”
Further details on how to apply can be found at the CAF emergency fund portal.
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