Dickson Welcomes £15.5M Fund for Charity Sector

Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, has welcomed the announcement by the Communities Minister of the £15.5 million Covid-19 Charities Fund, to help local charities facing financial difficulties as a result of the current Covid-19 Pandemic.

The Scheme, administered by the National Lottery Community Fund, will provide up to £75,000 in support to eligible organisations with applications opening on Monday 15 June.

Mr Dickson commented: “I have been calling for support for local charities and social enterprises with charitable status for months, and although it has taken longer than I would have liked, I welcome this support as a lifeline to the sector.

“Charities provide a vital array of support, advice, employment and other services, across our society. It is therefore key that we help them through this difficult time, so that their important work can continue, and aid with our recovery.

Mr Dickson concluded: “I hope this fund will go some way to help protect local charities in need, and I would strongly encourage organisations impacted by Covid-19 to apply to help secure their future.”

More information: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/covid-19-charities-fund