Hard-pressed families and communities across the North East are set to receive vital support as North East Mayor Kim McGuinness launches the latest round of the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund, focused on easing cost of living pressures.
Round Four of the fund will provide grants of up to £7,500, totalling £225,000 to grassroots organisations delivering practical, immediate help to residents struggling with rising costs.
This latest round builds on the extensive work Mayor Kim is delivering to tackle inequality and poverty across the region, including; £30m Child Poverty Action Plan, The Mayor’s Fares scheme which has saved customers over £70m on travel and £2.3m Warm Homes service which has helped keep thousands of residents warm and cut energy costs.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“Too many families are still having to make impossible choices — cutting back on essentials, worrying about bills, and wondering how far their money will stretch.
“That’s why I’m taking direct action. This funding is about getting help to people quickly, through the local organisations they already know and trust.
“Whether it’s help with food, advice on energy bills or simply making sure people can access the support they’re entitled to, this funding will make a real, practical difference to people’s lives.”
This latest round builds on three previous rounds of funding that have already supported life-changing projects in communities across the region, helping residents stay warm, fed and connected at a time of significant financial pressure.
Mayor Kim has made tackling the cost of living crisis her top priority, with this funding designed to deliver direct support into neighbourhoods and complement wider programmes already in place under the Mayor’s commitment to make the North East the home of real opportunity.
The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is delivered in partnership with Community Foundation North East and Point North, who ensure the funding reaches grassroots organisation that support communities across the region.
Rob Williamson, CEO of Community Foundation North East said:
“Whilst there has been better news on food inflation recently, we know families are still struggling to pay for essentials like food and energy. Charities too are struggling to keep up with demand and their own rising costs. That’s before the energy price cap rise in July and the ongoing uncertainty across the economy. I’m pleased that working with the Mayor, Community Foundation North East will be delivering this fourth round of her fund to support practical, immediate help to those struggling with the cost-of-living. Funding will be there to support organisations as we head into the Winter and will make a real difference in communities.
Michelle Cooper, CEO at Point North said:
“Across County Durham and the North East, there are incredible community groups quietly doing some of the most important work in our region, opening their doors to people in crisis and offering not just practical support, but warmth, dignity and hope.
“For many people struggling with the cost of living, these organisations are often the last place they turn to, and what they find there changes lives. They deserve to be backed, and this round does exactly that.”
Grants will support a wide range of community-led initiatives focused on reducing essential costs and improving access to support, including:
- Community food provision and access to low-cost essentials
- Energy-saving measures and practical support to cut bills
- Community transport and digital access to services
The fund will prioritise organisations supporting residents facing the greatest challenges, including those experiencing financial hardship, low or insecure incomes, and those struggling to access mainstream support or services.
Round 4 is now open for applications, and can be accessed here via the Community Foundation for those organisations based in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, and through Point North for those in County Durham.
Closing date for applications is 27 July.
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