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Welcome to our new website. You may still see some pages from our old site as we move things over.

What you can spend the money on

What can you spend money on? 

We can fund activities supporting people and communities affected by COVID-19. We can also help organisations overcome any acute financial difficulties they face as a result of the pandemic. 

This list doesn't include everything. So, if you're not sure, contact us. 

We can fund: 

  • your organisation’s running costs 

  • essential items for food banks 

  • small land or refurbishment projects that can be delivered within Government guidelines (but make sure you own the land or building, have a lease that can't be ended for five years, have a letter from the owner saying the land or building will be leased to you for at least five years, or an official letter from the owner or landlord that says you're allowed to do work on the building) - you should also think about getting planning permission for the work too 

  • equipment 

  • one-off events 

  • staff costs 

  • training costs 

  • transport 

  • utilities/running costs 

  • volunteer expenses 

We encourage you to think about any organisational costs needed to help you and your community through the current crisis. 

We can’t fund: 

  • alcohol 

  • contingency costs, loans, endowments or interest 

  • profit-making/fundraising activities 

  • VAT you can reclaim 

  • statutory activities 

  • overseas travel 

  • campaigning activities (this fund is to support the delivery of direct services for vulnerable people) 

  • religious activities (we can fund religious organisations if their project benefits the wider community and doesn’t include religious content) 

  • political or lobbying activities 

Managing your emergency COVID-19 funding in England 

If your organisation’s awarded emergency COVID-19 funding in England, including from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, you'll need to manage your funding a bit differently. Read more about what to expect with managing your emergency COVID-19 funding in England.

British Sign Language video 

You can also watch this video to get the above information in British Sign Language (BSL) for those who are hard of hearing.