Merton Giving Coronavirus Fund Is Open For Business
Chance to apply for a share of a new £150,000 crisis fund
Merton organisations working locally that are either delivering COVID-19 frontline services or whose organisation’s ability to operate has been impacted by the measures put in place to stem the pandemic can apply for a share of a new £150,000 fund.
The Merton Giving Coronavirus Fund has been launched by Merton Giving after fundraising efforts from the local business community alongside team sponsored events have raised £20,000 for the Merton Giving Fund.
This achievement has been recognised by both Wimbledon Foundation and Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, with each pledging £20,000 in matched donations.
Merton Giving supporter, Merton Council, has also committed to a £50,000 donation. With an online fundraising campaign, which in just over two weeks has raised £2,500, organisers say the Fund will continue to grow.
The Merton Giving Coronavirus Fund is administered by key partner Merton Voluntary Service Council (MVSC). The team is working to make decisions and allocate funding as quickly as possible to provide Merton organisations with emergency financial support.
Diana Sterck, Chair of Merton Giving, said: “The importance of cross-sector collaboration has never been so important at this time when we are all facing challenges that just a few short weeks ago seemed unimaginable. We are appreciative that Wimbledon Foundation and Clarion Futures and Merton Council have responded to increase the fund.”
Councillor Edith Macauley, Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Community Safety, London Borough of Merton, added: “The army of volunteers that has mobilised to support our most vulnerable residents in this time of national crisis has been nothing short of amazing. We are truly blessed in Merton to have such a wonderful and vibrant voluntary and community sector. It is therefore right that as a council we should step forward to support the voluntary sector when it needs our help. I’m very pleased to be able to offer the Council’s financial assistance and to do this in partnership with other funders through Merton Giving.”
Helen Parker, Head of Wimbledon Foundation, commented: “During this unprecedented time, we want to do all we can to support local organisations working tirelessly to support those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The response from the local business community has been tremendous and we are pleased to be able to match fund this amount and increase the total funding available to charities helping those who are most vulnerable on the ground right now.”
Matt Parsonage, Head of Communities for Clarion Futures, said: “At this time it’s important that communities come together to support each other, and we’re delighted to be part of this initiative. Our Merton Community Panel is made up of Clarion residents who voted unanimously to contribute to the Fund which I’m sure will make a huge difference to the people of Merton, and we’re proud to be part of it.
Full details including guidance, how to apply and to submit an application can be found at https://www.mvsc.co.uk/MGCoronavirusFund.
- Merton Giving is a charitable partnership between Merton Chamber of Commerce and Merton Voluntary Services Council, supported by Merton Council.
April 7, 2020