UK Charity Week partner charity ring-fences £1m to help alleviate Cost of Living crisis among grant holders

An Official Partner Charity of the national charity campaign, UK Charity Week, which is being held this week, has announced details of a major financial boost for grant holders.

Grant-giving Funder John Lyon’s Charity has been inundated with shocking statements from grassroots charities as a result of the Cost of Living crisis. As a response, £1m has been ring-fenced from the Charity to help keep these vital organisations afloat.

Over 100 London charities have voiced their concerns to grant-giving Funder John Lyon’s Charity, about the harsh realities that the Cost of Living crisis is having on their organisations. With food, energy and fuel bills rapidly rising, more people are relying on the services of charities, following the already heightened demand during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, like the wider population, charities are also facing challenges with their own spiralling costs coupled with the increased demand for their services; and are having to do more to support their communities but with fewer financial resources.

Michelle Bailey, Managing Director at E.A.S.E (Empowering Action and Social Esteem) Ltd said: 

“Our core running costs have increased dramatically (34% to date) and we are using unrestricted reserves to make up for the shortfall. The complexities that children and young people face have also increased due to family distress and therefore demand for services is increasing. They have not recovered from the impact of COVID. We are delivering increased sessions on mental health and wellbeing.”

Charlie Rigby, CEO of The Violence Intervention Project said: 

“The majority of our clients and their families are vulnerable and living in deprived communities which will be hit hardest by the Cost of Living. Increasingly, we’re being asked by desperate parents for help with food, and essentials, particularly nappies, and many are very worried about how they’re going to manage their energy bills over the winter. This has an obvious impact on the health and wellbeing of the whole family, and also increases the likelihood of our clients resorting to involvement in crime.”

In an attempt to support these crucial grassroots organisations during UK Charity Week, John Lyon’s Charity has now ring-fenced £1m to help alleviate the impact of the Cost of Living crisis amongst current grant holders with a turnover of less than £1m.

Lynne Guyton, CEO of John Lyon’s Charity said: 

“We know we can’t solve the current Cost of Living crisis but equally we will never sit back and just do nothing. Our mantra is to walk alongside our groups and do everything we can to support them, especially in a time of great need. The Cost of Living crisis is no different, therefore the only choice we have is to respond. We hope the Cost of Living uplift grant will make a difference to our groups so that they can continue to provide their vital services.”

Eligible organisations will be contacted by John Lyon’s Charity with details on how to claim the Cost of Living Uplift grant. Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about the charity and its many funding opportunities, please click here.