Our Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund appeal closes

In March 2020, we launched our Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund and appeal. Now, having distributed £2.83m in grants to 225 organisations, we have closed the appeal.  

I want to pass on our huge gratitude to the brilliant local charities and community organisations whose vital work in response to the pandemic it has been our privilege to support. We have shared lots of feedback on the difference that funding has made to local people who were most adversely affected by Covid19. Reflecting on the data we’ve gathered, and the feedback from our grantees, the overwhelming message is the power of core funding for organisations based on trusting them to do what’s been needed in a period of great uncertainty and stress. Time and again we’ve been told that grants to help organisations run their day-to-day work gave them the ability to adapt quickly and address emerging needs and changing scenarios.  

It’s also clear that core funding will be essential as we continue to recover from the immediate impacts of the pandemic and focus on community renewal. So, we’ll carry on encouraging applicants to apply for core running cost support, or – if they have a specific project – to ensure their budgets include a sensible contribution to core costs. 

Through our Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund, we supported a wide variety of organisations across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, enabling them to support those most in need. We could only have achieved this with the enormous generosity of our donors and partners. Please accept our huge gratitude for the vital part you played. 

Rob Williamson
Chief Executive
June 2021