From preparing for flooding to supporting vulnerable residents during a power outage, local communities are often at the heart of emergency response. The Sussex Community Resilience Forum: CR2 Fund at Sussex Community Foundation is now open, offering funding to help voluntary and community organisations strengthen their ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
The fund was established by the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF), a partnership of organisations across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove. Recognising the vital role communities play in emergency response and recovery, the fund aims to help voluntary organisations play a stronger role in building local resilience.
With emergency preparedness in the spotlight following the Government’s ‘Be Ready’ campaign, the fund supports projects that address risks identified in the Sussex Community Risk Register. This could include emergency planning, volunteer training, community communications, welfare support or providing equipment to help communities respond effectively.
Previous projects supported by the fund demonstrate the different ways local organisations can make a difference. Friends, Families and Travellers has been developing emergency planning for Gypsy and Traveller communities across Sussex, helping ensure groups who are often overlooked in resilience planning are better prepared for flooding and power outages. West Sussex County Council received funding to create 40 emergency community hub kits for local communities, while Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester has been recruiting and training volunteers to strengthen local emergency responses, drawing on their lived experience to support people most at risk.
Brighton & Hove Community Works has also been supported to pilot improved emergency communications between the Local Resilience Forum, voluntary organisations and communities, helping ensure information reaches marginalised communities.
“Emergencies obviously have a significant impact on our communities, particularly on people who are already facing challenges or may be more vulnerable. Local organisations play an important role in helping people feel prepared, connected and supported. This fund is about strengthening that local response and ensuring communities across Sussex have the resources and support they need to build resilience.”
Applications to the Sussex Community Resilience Forum: CR2 Fund are open until 14 December 2026. Find out more and apply here.
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