Comic Relief
Across the UK, communities experiencing racial inequality were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis amplified the entrenched structural racism experienced across intersecting issues such as health, work and living standards. ​Comic Relief appointed Inclusive North (Formally Lancashire BME Network) to distribute funding towards organisations to support a wide variety of projects. This allowed us to help projects, groups and organisations across Lancashire that provide vital services to diverse communities who had the greatest risk of COVID-19, giving small grants out to those who fall under these conditions.
Impact
A total of 130 applications were received, requesting £429,670 — exceeding the available funding by £199,321. Of these, 82 applications were successful, with grants totalling £230,349 awarded to 61 organisations.
The grant scheme succeeded in reaching and supporting BRM-led organisations across Lancashire, many of which had limited experience of applying for funding. The capacity-building support provided alongside the grant programme was instrumental in enabling groups to submit strong applications, particularly those where English is not a first language or where organisations are newly established.
Feedback Received from Grant Recipients:
"Closure of the group during the pandemic had a considerable impact on the ladies' mental health. Most were becoming very isolated and lonely at home, which raised concerns over their wellbeing. The organisation's funds were low as there had been no donations during the pandemic, and we could not support the group. The grant of £2,000 has been a great help not only to the group but to this organisation, for which we are very grateful."
"The grant has helped the Committee provide a much-needed resource for the community. The equipment will make it more encouraging for our women's group, children's group, and adult learning to take place in a more professional and constructive manner. We thank the Funders for helping us take the first steps in making this learning facility a reality."
