Community groups, charities and voluntary organisations in Helensburgh are being urged to apply for a share of a new £20 million fund aimed at helping Scotland's 'third sector' through the coronavirus crisis.
The Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI) is offering help to organisations that are in financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic.
Charities, community groups, social enterprises and voluntary organisations can apply for support from the emergency Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF).
Groups can apply for grants of between £5,000 and £100,000, while there is also a further £5 million available in flexible, zero per cent interest, loans starting at £50,000.
Kirsteen Murray, chief executive of Argyll and Bute TSI, says the new fund will be crucial in the weeks and months ahead for organisations delivering much-needed services to vulnerable people and others.
“The coronavirus pandemic will undoubtedly have an impact on support organisations who have already been experiencing financial difficulties,” said Ms Murray.
“The dedicated staff in these organisations are working incredibly hard to deliver additional, vital support to those who seek it, so the new funding could offer a lifeline to allow them to continue with their services, now needed more than ever.
“We would urge organisations to get in touch with the team at the TSI for expert help.
“We are here to help as best we can in these difficult times.
“Our helpline is open so we can advise and support those support organisations to help them maintain a level of service they are determined to provide and to access this funding.”
The TSRF support is being delivered by Firstport, Social Investment Scotland and the Corra Foundation.
To be eligible, interested organisations must be a charity, social enterprise or voluntary organisation based in Scotland and/or primarily delivering services/activities in Scottish communities; already delivering those products or services prior to March 2020; and needing funding to stabilise cash flows directly as a result of the impact of COVID-19, as opposed to pre-existing financial difficulties.
READ MORE: Look back at an extraordinary week as Helensburgh adjusts to life under lockdown
As well as helping eligible groups in the area through the TSRF application process, Argyll and Bute TSI also has a COVID-19 Resources section on its website – www.argylltsi.org/covid19.html.
This includes information on available funding.
Contact Argyll and Bute TSI at 0300 303 4141 or email support@argylltsi.org.uk for more information.
READ MORE: Click here for all the latest news headlines from across Helensburgh and Lomond
Scotland is in lockdown. Businesses are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Advertiser, and the vital local news service we've provided to Helensburgh and Lomond since 1957, is under threat as a result.
We're asking you to please consider supporting the Advertiser in whatever way you can – by paying just 95p for a copy of the paper, when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.
Thanks – and stay safe.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here