Cheshire appeal launched to help vulnerable people affected by coronavirus pandemic

A major campaign has been launched to raise £1 million to provide vital support to vulnerable people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The appeal is a partnership involving Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs MBE, the new High Sheriff of Cheshire Nick Hopkinson MBE, DL and Cheshire Community Foundation working in collaboration with the Steve Morgan Foundation.

The fundraising efforts have the potential to reach £2 million as all funds raised will be match funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation.

To launch the appeal, David Briggs, Nick Hopkinson and outgoing High Sheriff of Cheshire Mark Mitchell DL have made an initial donation of £50,000 which will be matched by the Steve Morgan Foundation to make a total of £100,000.

The appeal launch represents a huge boost just a week after Cheshire Community Foundation announced the setting up of its Covid-19 Response Fund. The Foundation will be responsible for managing the fund and helping to ensure that the funds reach the organisations that most need them.

The money will be made available to charities which are seeking grants to support individuals and families affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Nick Hopkinson said: “These are desperate times for many people and this fund could provide a lifeline both for charities and the people they support. We are delighted that the Steve Morgan Foundation has so generously agreed to match fund donations to the appeal.

“Please consider donating and, if you are able to, please give generously.”

Zoe Sheppard, Chief Executive of Cheshire Community Foundation, said: “There is an immediate need within the community. Many charities are facing an increase in demand while already under resourced and stretched to breaking point.

“Once the immediate crisis has passed, many of the people they support will be left more vulnerable in its wake and the fund will aim to help them too. This fund is about meeting both the immediate need and the longer-term need.”

Steve Morgan CBE said: “Aside from the obvious difficulties that charities are facing, supporting thousands of disadvantaged people, this crisis is causing substantial cashflow issues.

“Normal day-to-day fundraising efforts that the charities undertake have been pulled from under them. As the economy shrinks it will be the charities and the vulnerable people who suffer first and we can’t allow that to happen.”

Charities seeking funding can apply via Cheshire Community Foundation’s website. Applications will be assessed in the first instance by the Foundation before being forwarded to the Steve Morgan Foundation for approval.  

Grants of up to £10,000 will be available in the first instance, but additional further funding may be available should the need arise.

To donate, go to www.cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk and simply click the donate button, email office@cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk or call 01606 330 607.

To enquire about funding, charities should go to www.cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk/apply-for-funding or contact the grants team via email at grants@cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk