Kirklees Council is providing £500k of recovery grants for voluntary and community organisations which have been affected by national lockdowns and local restrictions.

Grants of up to £20k are available now to help vital community buildings in local places across Kirklees recover from Covid-19.

Community organisations are vital for the local economy and for people’s wellbeing – creating jobs, delivering services, connecting people in our neighbourhoods and providing activities that people and communities really value.

Voluntary and community organisations in Kirklees who own or rent buildings can apply for a grant to recover lost income due to Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

Clr Cathy Scott and Clr Paul Davies, the Cabinet members who have been leading on harnessing community support to respond to the pandemic, said: “Community organisations are incredibly important for people’s well-being.

“We want to make sure that community buildings can continue to be safe places for people to get together and enjoy activities as part of our recovery from Covid-19.

“We recognise that the local organisations who are so fundamental for keeping people connected and safe are facing their own financial challenges. The Community Buildings Recovery Grant is one of the ways we’re actively supporting community organisations in Kirklees.

“We’re proud to work alongside such dedicated and inspiring groups in our local places. We’re continuing to listen to local groups and to understand what other support our vital community organisations may need in the months ahead.”

Hilary Thompson, chair of Third Sector Leaders Kirklees, said: “TSL Kirklees supports voluntary and community organisations in all our local places. We know just how challenging things are for many groups in Kirklees right now.

“We encourage you to check your eligibility for accessing the Community Buildings Recovery Grant. TSL Kirklees can also connect you to other people and organisations who can help. We’re here to signpost and share advice on all sorts of things, including funding opportunities.”

Who can apply?

The Community Buildings Recovery Grant is available for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations who:

  • work in (and are based in) Kirklees;
  • were open as usual before the Covid-19 restrictions;
  • own or rent a non-residential property (this could include a space within a building that you pay costs for, or a building you own and have continued to pay costs for);
  • have been legally required to close or have been significantly impacted by lockdowns and local restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

How to apply

You can find the full eligibility criteria and apply online via the Kirklees Council website – Help for voluntary and community organisations

The fund is open for applications until Sunday June 6. Payments to successful applicants will be made by June 30.

For help or advice please e-mail: thirdsector@kirklees.gov.uk