Lottery Crisis Grant to boost Fed Community Services

The Fed is to receive a boost of more than £44,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund. The fund, which is distributing part of a £750 million government pot earmarked in April, is to support charities on the front line in the fight against COVID-19, and help keep them afloat over the coming 12 months.

The award will help secure the continuation of vital services provided by both The Fed’s Community Advice and Support Team (CAST) and their Volunteer Services across Greater Manchester. These have seen an unprecedented spike in demand throughout the lockdown.

A 58% increase in calls to The Fed’s help line was seen in March compared to February this year and one in every eight Manchester Jewish homes have benefited from The Fed’s support during COVID-19.

10,750 hours of phone support were provided by The Fed’s Volunteers to vulnerable and isolated clients between April and June.

Lucy Edwards, the charity’s Trusts, Foundations and Bids Fundraiser, explained that, “The award is crucial in supporting our existing work, and helping to minimise the impact of lost fundraising and trading income from the period.”