Big Hearts to distribute Covid-19 funds to Gorgie/Dalry groups

Big Hearts has been selected by the Scottish Government to act as ‘Community Anchor Organisation’ in Gorgie/Dalry – working with local networks to support communities during the pandemic.

The Scottish Government’s initial investment of up to £10 million in the Supporting Communities Fund aims to provide financial support during the Covid-19 pandemic. The funding is made available through community anchor organisations, cutting down on red tape to enable them to respond swiftly and according to local needs.

Big Hearts is delighted to confirm that our charity has been chosen as Community Anchor for Gorgie/Dalry!

We are working in partnership with grassroots and small community based groups in the Gorgie/Dalry area of Edinburgh, to distribute crisis funds that will help deliver crucial support to those who need it most during lockdown. 

Small grants available via Big Hearts
Our charity has received £20,000 from the Scottish Government, via The National Lottery Community Fund, to distribute to organisations supporting the Gorgie/Dalry communities. These are small grants from £500 and up to £2,000. Once awarded, the funds will need to be spent by the end of September 2020.

Connor McNally, our Project Officer comments:
“On behalf of Big Hearts we are delighted to have been awarded this funding from the Scottish Government to support the Gorgie/Dalry community at this challenging time. I am looking forward to hearing from local groups and organisations and seeing how the grants can be distributed to develop support networks for the most vulnerable in our local community”

**Update: Applications closed on 9 July**

Which projects are eligible?
The funding is aimed at new or extended activity delivered in the Gorgie/Dalry area and which supports members of the local community in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. These can be for example, projects to provide wellbeing services, supply essential items, offer specific advice or build social connections.

Who can apply?
These small grants are for non-profit organisations, including charities, residents groups, grassroots groups, community associations or social enterprises. Smaller un-constituted groups and those that do not have a bank account are eligible too. 

For any questions, contact our Project Officer:
connor.mcnally@bighearts.org.uk – 07368424672.