The Somerset Coronavirus Appeal, launched by local charity Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) at the start of the pandemic, has raised a phenomenal £1.5 million. The funding has enabled the Foundation to award grants to over 300 local charities [correct as at 19/01/2021] in just 10 months, thanks to the generous support of local individuals, businesses, charitable trusts and public sector partners, as well as funding from a national appeal run by the National Emergencies Trust (NET).

Grants up to £2,500 are now available for smaller charities and grassroots groups based in Somerset. Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) manages The Somerset Fund and is encouraging smaller charities and community groups that run on less than £100,000 per year to apply now for funding. The grants are ‘unrestricted’, which means they can be used to pay for ongoing running costs, also known as ‘core costs’. Applications to the Fund can be made through SCF’s website and the deadline to apply is Monday 22 February, 2021.