£1.5 million fund ensures ‘nobody is left behind’

Grassroots charities across the North East are set to benefit from a further £1.5 million investment to help residents facing financial hardship and rising living costs.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has announced the additional funding for her Mayor’s Opportunity Fund, which has already supported 107 community organisations through its first four rounds.

The initial £1 million investment has backed projects tackling loneliness, financial pressures, digital exclusion and barriers to employment, education and essential services.

The expanded fund will now operate on a rolling basis, offering grants of up to £7500 to charities and community groups delivering practical support.

Eligible projects include food provision, community transport, digital inclusion, repair and reuse initiatives, and improvements to community facilities.

Mayor McGuinness said: “From tackling loneliness and helping families through the cost-of-living crisis to supporting people into work, the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund has shown what can be achieved when you back the organisations that know their communities best.

“Over the last four rounds we've supported 107 charities and grassroots groups delivering practical help and changing lives in every part of the North East.

“That’s why I’m investing a further £1.5 million.

“I want to help even more local organisations provide the support people need, put more money back into people's pockets and make sure nobody is left behind.”

Previous beneficiaries include Wor Hoose Community Project in Walker, which has helped families access affordable food and essential supplies, and Teams & Bensham Community Care, which supports older residents through community lunch clubs.

Teesdale Community Resources has also received funding to improve transport access for isolated rural residents, while Escape Family Support is expanding its community shop in Ashington.

The programme will continue to be delivered in partnership with Community Foundation North East and Point North Community Foundation, supporting organisations across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham.

Rob Williamson, chief executive of Community Foundation North East, added: “Community Foundation North East is delighted to continue our partnership with mayor Kim McGuinnes and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority on the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund.

“Together we’ve been able to fund 107 organisations to support communities across the region. This announcement of a further £1.5million to continue to tackle the impact of the cost-of-living as we head into winter will be hugely welcomed.

“We look forward to getting this funding out and seeing and sharing the difference it makes.”   

Michelle Cooper, chief executive at Point North, added: “We’re delighted to be delivering phase two of the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund. 

“The first phase showed just how vital this funding is to grassroots organisations across County Durham and the wider North East.

“At a time when households are struggling with the cost of living and charities are being asked to do more with less, it’s imperative that we support organisations holding our communities together. 

“No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and getting to work. 

“Until those barriers are removed, we’re proud to deliver a fund that steps up to support local organisations making a real difference to people’s lives.”

Applications received by November 9 will be considered for funding in December, with details available through the two community foundations. See Point North for County Durham based organisations, and the Community Foundation North East for those based in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear.

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