Programmes including: Awards for All, Reaching Communities and Partnerships will all prioritise bids from organisations supporting: people at high risk from COVID-19;  communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges as a direct result of measures to prevent the result of COVID-19 and with high potential to support communities with the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19.  Bids will be assessed as quickly as possible. Bids not related to COVID-19 but still eligible under usual criteria will be less of a priority for up to 6 months. Further details of each fund here:  Short-term fund to support local communities dealing with COVID-19. Quick application process for single payment, £500, to organisations supporting vulnerable groups. Will support organisational need in this time of crisis rather than fund specific projects. Will prioritise organisations; whose need for services has been disrupted – for example a food bank whose stocks are running low and need an immediate donation to enable the food bank to restock; require to put in place new services – for example charities setting up a new home service for the elderly who usually attend a monthly lunch club or a charity needing to set up a telephone service to support beneficiaries; Increased demand –  a holiday hunger club needs more resources due to schools closing, or a children’s centre needs an additional temporary staff member. Applications welcomed from wide range of organisations including: voluntary/community organisations, registered charities, schools, health bodies, Parish/Town councils, social enterprises, Community Interest Companies, community councils, local authorities and social housing organisations. Other not-for-profit organisations might also be eligible. Rolling programme – expect to make grants weekly. If you already have a Tesco Bags of help grant you can still apply for the new Covid-19 pot.  Further details here:  Small capital grants of up to £5,000 for essential capital items to adapt or increase services in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Priority will be given to organisations (outside London only) supporting vulnerable and ‘at risk’ groups within our programme areas during this period (alcohol & substance abuse; disadvantaged minority communities and youth, homeless; domestic and sexual abuse;  older people; people with disabilities; visually impaired and prisoners and ex-offenders  . Funds registered charities, CIO’s, CIC’s (ltd by guarantee) and Special Schools. Grants assessed in 1-2 weeks. Further details here:    For details of other funders with grants or loans available to voluntary, community, faith groups charities and social enterprises in Leeds go to VAL’s funding opportunities – updated regularly, at:  and visit the Leeds Funding Support Network Face-book at: 

Wide range of funding sources for charities, community groups etc. to respond to COVID-19. See a few here, but more at VAL’s regular funding opportunities update here: https://bit.ly/3c1NZUa

Voluntary Action Leeds