Third sector cost-of-living fund open for applications

A Third Sector cost-of-living crisis fund opens for applications from today (Tuesday 24 January) in a bid to help organisations meet rising operational costs being faced now.

The Third Sector Cost of Living Crisis Fund is administered by Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) and funded via the Council through their allocation from the Scottish Government’s Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund.

Third Sector organisations in Orkney have been reporting difficulties with covering their rising operational costs. While they are facing these increasing financial pressures, these organisations are also seeing more people coming to them for support.

Organisations will need to meet set criteria to successfully apply for the fund including demonstrating that their need for funding is critical and directly and solely related to challenges caused by the impact of increasing energy and overhead costs.

Funds awarded will be to meet immediate costs essential to sustain services, or to increase services in response to heightened demand caused by the cost of living crisis.

Applications may be for capital funding, revenue funding, or a combination of both and there will be a cap of £15,000 in total for any single application.

To apply organisations should contact VAO’s David Campbell via 07522144273 or David.Campbell@vaorkney.org.uk.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 6 February.

Mr Campbell said: “We would urge all community groups that are experiencing financial pressures in this difficult times to get in touch so we can help distribute this funding as swiftly as we can to the most vulnerable organisations in our community.”

James Stockan is the Leader of Orkney Islands Council. He said: “As our community comes together to tackle the cost of living crisis, our third sector organisations have become even more important than ever.

“As householders across the county look for support, help, and a listening ear the Council needed to do all it could to ensure that these organisations can sustain and survive, as they too face rising costs.”

More information on local support, including what people can do to help others, is available on the Council’s Helping Hand page

Anybody who is worried about money can access free and confidential advice from Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau by calling 01856 875266 or by sending them an email.