In these testing times funding bodies are adapting application processes, monitoring and evaluation to increase flexibility and response times to get the funds needed in our communities.

On 18 June 2020, Support Cambridgeshire hosted Fiona Brice from the National Lottery Community Fund, and Bridget Mailley and Michael O’Toole from Cambridgeshire Community Foundation talking about the changing face of funding in the Covid and post-Covid world. Each provided information and tips on applying for their funds. You can watch a recording of this webinar below.

We’d like to thank Fiona, Bridget and Michael for their time and for providing such valuable insights and information.

Please note: questions submitted by attendees prior to the webinar were addressed by the presenters within their presentations. No public questions were submitted during the webinar.

Feedback from the event:

We have found the Webinar organised by Hunts Forum to provide help with applications for emergency funding due to COVID-19 incredibly useful. Following the webinar, we chose to apply to the Cambridge Community Foundation, and were delighted to receive a grant within a few days. This grant will pay for six months of weekly Zoom sessions provided by Riverport Singers, St Ives Dementia Friendly Choir.

The newly formed Choir, that is supported by the St Ives Dementia Friendly Community Steering Group, enjoyed only three rehearsals before the pandemic has put our activities on hold. In May we started weekly singing sessions on Zoom. These online sessions are holding the group together until the Choir is allowed to safely recommence their rehearsals in person, providing stimulation and social engagement to our members. The grant also enables us to provide extended sessions from September onwards. We are incredibly grateful for the grant, and for Hunts Forum, to provide us with the necessary information and support.

Agi Peach, St Ives Dementia Friendly Community Steering Group