Small charities win £6m lifeline to help most vulnerable Scots

More than £6 million is being made available to small charities to help the most vulnerable Scots during the coronavirus pandemic.

Foundation Scotland, which coordinates support for good causes, has revealed the scale of the crisis cash to more than 1,100 small community organisations through its Response, Recovery and Resilience Fund since March.

It awarded a total of £4.6m in small grants of up to £5,000 across Scotland to 1,170 organisations with an income under £250,000.

A further £1.4m has benefited charities including Shelter Scotland, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland.

Helen Wray, head of programmes at Foundation Scotland, stresses that while the coronavirus has hit the third sector hard, support is still available. She said: “The emotional, physical and financial impacts of lockdown are becoming increasingly problematic. Sadly, there are even more people in Scotland experiencing extreme hardship, isolation, loneliness and fear.

“Our support is needed more than ever, so our fund will remain open to applications. I encourage groups to apply as soon as they can.”

Organisations to benefit include Weekday Wow Factor, which has connected older Scots living alone during the pandemic with regular online socialising activities.

A £4,500 grant from Foundation Scotland has helped the charity to alleviate isolation and loneliness among its members. Manager Upasana Sallis said: “This support allowed us to provide new technology and training to community members so they can stay in touch with each other and family members they can’t see in person.”

In September, The Sunday Post reported that Scottish charities were facing a growing funding crisis due to the impact of Covid-19. Some charities faced a monthly shortfall of up to £500,000.

A survey by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) found more than half had lost income from fundraising, while one in five expected to face a “critical financial threat” that within the next year would stop them from operating.

Jude Turbyne, head of engagement at OSCR, said: “Covid-19 and the associated restrictions continue to make life difficult for many charities. While some are finding ways of adapting, there is a great deal of uncertainty for many.”