Cornwall Community Foundation supports local charities, community and voluntary groups in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We invest in grassroots, front line, volunteer led organisations who are making a positive impact in their area. Our aim is to overcome challenges of disadvantage, exclusion and poverty for all ages. We welcome applications from both new and established groups.

We invest in communities on behalf of private donors, fundholders and charitable trusts. Please read the guidelines carefully before applying, as funding criteria is specific to each funding programme. Generally awards are available to not for profit community groups for the benefit of the wider community. However we do hold specific funds which provide support to individuals. 

Local charities and community organisations have a special role in reaching some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, developing trusted relationships and implementing practical support programmes that work.

Funds raised from this campaign will:

-Enable charitable organisations to hold a pot of funds to distribute small grants to vulnerable and low income individuals who struggle to heat their home and maintain a reasonable quality of life during the winter months

-Organisations in Cornwall can apply for between £200 and £1,000 to distribute depending on their capacity

-From these funds usually £30 to a maximum of £100 can be made available to individuals

-Examples of grants that can be made, may include a purchase of a warm meal, payments towards additional transport costs over the winter, costs towards heating/fuel including electric key meter top-ups and much more.

-Support charitable organisations running additional activities over the winter months

These grants are for additional work over and above normal activities and must be in response to the impact of the cold weather on your members or beneficiaries. Please download the Cold Weather Planning Tool to help you respond to your beneficiaries needs during the winter months.

Grants range from £250 - £1,000 higher awards can be considered at the panel's discretion

How can you respond to your beneficiaries needs during the winter months?

This list is not exhaustive, but actions might include:

-Increase your regular activities

-Increase your transport costs (e.g. provide taxis to ensure people can reach your services)

-Targeted visits during extended cold weather (befriending service)

-Check beneficiaries have enough food and are warm enough

-Provide warm meals (e.g. Meals on wheels service or provide hot meals at your activities)

-Advise carers of potential impacts of cold weather (workshops)

All grant funding must be spent during the winter months and no later than the 31st March 2016

For fund guidelines and to apply visit

http://www.cornwallfoundation.com/surviving-winter-fuel-fund.html