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Cost of Living Appeal update

When we started our Cost of Living Appeal in October, we knew the need across Sussex was great, but couldn’t have anticipated the extent of that need.

Since then, thanks to our incredible community of donors, we have raised a total of £144,290. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported local people through this appeal so far. As this difficult period continues, we now need to go even further so have increased our target to £250,000.

In Sussex, we are seeing an amazing response from the volunteers and charity staff who are providing lifeline services to our communities, and from our generous donors who are determined to make a positive difference in the face of economic uncertainty.

At the Foundation, we have got this vital funding to where it’s most needed, already giving out £73,421 in 13 grants to charities and community organisations across our county. Each project tells a story of compassion, delivering food, essential items, mental health and wellbeing sessions, financial and welfare advice to local people in need.

Receiving a grant in the current financial climate can mean the difference between a community organisation being able to help people or having to close permanently. 

One organisation that received funding was Mid Sussex Older People’s Council (MSOPC), who provide services “by older people for older people” to reduce the negative effects of isolation, marginalisation and disengagement. The charity received a Cost of Living grant to hold free community information events and to produce a newsletter signposting to local support available.

The remaining funds will be given out at our next Grants Committee meeting in March 2023.

Kevin Richmond, CEO Sussex Community Foundation, said:

“At the Foundation we know the vital role charities and community organisations play in supporting the most vulnerable in our communities and we support hundreds of them every year. Just like households, charities and community organisations are facing increased fuel and building costs – and some are worried they won’t be able to continue, which is why they also need our support.

"Thank you to everyone who has donated to our appeal so far. Thank you for making a difference where it matters most.”

Kevin Richmond
-
CEO Sussex Community Foundation

#DonateTheRebate

We’re partnering with East Sussex County Council for our #DonateTheRebate campaign, with donations being directed towards our Cost of Living Appeal.

If you are in a position to contribute, please consider giving the gift of a warm home for a local household this winter by donating part or all of your Energy Bills Support Scheme payment of £67 per month.

Our TotalGiving page is now closed for donations.

There are so many inspirational local charities providing essential support for people in Sussex. Together we can ensure they can continue to be there for when we need them. 

Contact Stephen Chamberlain, Head of Philanthropy, to find out more.

Organisations across Sussex awarded funding so far:

  • Broadwater Support Group CIC
  • Haywards Heath Foodbank
  • Mid-Sussex Older People’s Council
  • Horsham Matters
  • Henfield Haven CIO
  • Community Transport Sussex CIO
  • Rye Food Bank
  • Education Training Consortium Sussex
  • Hastings Community Trust
  • Trees Community Association
  • St Matthias Brighton
  • Good News Brighton
  • Sussex Beacon
Published on 24th Feb 2023

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