Voluntary organisations and community groups helping Nottinghamshire residents can now apply for two new Local Community Fund (LCF) cost of living grants.

In total, £450,000 has been set aside for the 17-month scheme. 

The first grant available is for groups helping those who are struggling to buy nutritious food to help improve health and well-being.

The second grant is aimed at groups who need a contribution towards their own rising energy bills to help keep their welcoming and warm centres and halls open across the county.

Groups can now apply for up to £5,000 from both grant funds with applications closing on Sunday 29 January 2023.  

These dates are for the first of three funding rounds, with applications expected to re-open in the Spring.

For details of eligibility and how to apply please click here.

Image courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council.

These new funds form part of the £700,000 package of support recently announced by Nottinghamshire County Council to help those most affected by rising food and energy costs.

Councillor Matt Barney, the council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health said: "Vulnerable residents and those on a low income are at the heart of our overall plans which include this targeted community funding. We want to do what we can to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents as they continue to face cost of living pressures."

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities, who oversees the LCF scheme added: "We are proud that LCF is once again supporting groups, charities, and organisations so they are able to continue their essential work in community and are able to access the help they need to be able pay their own energy bills.

"Community-led projects offer the chance for residents to be more independent, resilient and learn new skills. For example, many offer 'cook and eat' sessions where residents can better plan, cook and share nutritious, affordable meals."

The overall £700K package of support, which was announced last month, also includes ways to improve energy efficiency in the home and help even more residents access the benefits that they are entitled to.

This includes £150,000 which is to be invested into Nottingham Energy Partnership's scheme 'Let's Optimise Your Heating', helping continue this charity's work supporting and advising low-income households and those at risk of serious health conditions. The aim is to improve the energy efficiency of boilers to save struggling households an average of £178 to £267 a year in bills.  

As well as this, £100,000 will go towards expanding the council's benefits team so it can offer more one to one benefits advice. It will also help widen the team's remit so it can offer more cost of living advice, information, and guidance.

For further financial support and advice, check the council's dedicated cost of living support page by clicking here.