New Foreshore Trust Large Grant programme launches

The Foreshore Trust is inviting non-profit-making voluntary and community groups that work to benefit residents in Hastings and St Leonards to submit applications for funding under their new grant programme.

This grant call will primarily fund organisations that help communities and it is anticipated that applications from organisations should also include a response to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The deadline for this funding is 12 noon on 6 November 2020.

Cllr Margi O'Callaghan, Chair of the Charity Committee and Foreshore Trust, said, 

"The Foreshore Trust is very excited to be launching its brand-new large grant programme. 

"Back in March, the Charity Committee approved the new programme as well as the priorities that the programme will focus on. These priorities are: 

• Housing, legal, welfare and debt advice
• Domestic violence support
• Provision of advice and support to community organisations (voluntary sector infrastructure support) 
• Rough sleepers outreach support
• Advice and support to migrant and newly settled communities

"We also have a 'Golden Thread' of co-ordinated working through all the funded Foreshore Trust large grant projects, to address and develop a wider mental health agenda.

"For the main priorities, we will be allocating £162,000 per year over a 3-year period, which will cover 2021 - 2024. The proposal is for the golden thread to be allocated an extra amount within years 2 and 3.

"This new programme is launching at the perfect time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has really shown the importance of community in Hastings and we want to do what we can to support our local voluntary organisations and community groups.

"As decisions are made, we will be prioritising the funding with COVID-19, as well as the mental health 'golden thread', in mind.

"We look forward to using the large grant programme to support activities over the next three years that aim to improve the quality of life for residents and encourage participation within the local community, as well as help the town flourish during the pandemic."