Community foundations respond to floods

Across the country, Community Foundations are responding to the devastating and compounding impact of Storms Ciara and Dennis.

The following Community Foundations have launched emergency flood recovery appeals to respond to damage from recent floods:

• Community Foundation for Calderdale
• Foundation Derbyshire
• Herefordshire Community Foundation
• Community Foundation for Lancashire
• The Community Foundation for Staffordshire
• Nottinghamshire Community Foundation
• Two Ridings Community Foundation
• South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation

In addition, other Community Foundations are responding to floods but not currently launching appeals.

Community Foundations are providing emergency grants to assist individuals and families who have been displaced from their homes and/or had their properties damaged by flood waters. In some instances, Community Foundations are also raising funds for community rebuilding projects.

Heart of Bucks, the Community Foundation for Buckinghamshire, has also launched a Flood Recovery & Awareness Fund to help charities and community groups that have been affected by the floods. Grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded to help with things like emergency repairs, capital items and venue hire.

Fabian French, Chief Executive of UK Community Foundations, said, “Whether assisting with emergency repairs, clothing, childcare equipment or furniture and white goods, flood recovery grants are crucial when it comes to supporting people to rebuild their lives following crisis and upheaval. Community Foundations are well-placed to provide emergency relief because they understand the needs of their locality and are able to convene with relevant partners and mobilise quickly. Being well-established in their communities, Community Foundations hold a position of trust and draw on existing relationships with local donors.”

Steve Duncan, Chief Executive of Community Foundation for Calderdale, said, “Unfortunately this is our third serious flood in 8 years and Community Foundation for Calderdale is well versed on managing an Appeal and distributing grants to those affected. We are initially giving out £200 emergency grants to householders and we are working with the Council to support businesses, offering £1,000 top up grants to £2,500 grants with funding they have received from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership.”