Third Sector fund reopens for applications

A second tranche of the Third Sector Cost of Living Crisis Fund goes live today (Thursday 13^th April 2023)

The 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.

Tranche 1 was a huge success with over £225k of grants being awarded, directly benefiting 25 organisations across Orkney, with an average award equating to £9,000.

Organisations that applied for tranche 1 can apply for the second tranche as long as the two applications do not exceed the £15,000 cap - however new applications will be assessed as a priority. There is approx. £70,000 of funds left in the fund.

Applications and guidance can be found on VAO's website and to apply organisations should contact VAO’s David Campbell via 07522144273 or David.Campbell@vaorkney.org.uk.

The latest funding round closes at 5pm on Friday 28th April