The Lewes district Ukraine Relief Fund is a new source of funding provided by Lewes District Council available to voluntary organisations based in the Lewes district working to support Ukrainians that have fled Ukraine due to the war.
Application criteria and guidance
The fund is particularly interested in funding community groups and voluntary organisations operating at a Village, Parish, or Town geography.
- This funding is specifically aimed at activities/services supporting displaced Ukrainians in the Lewes district.
- Applications are accepted only from groups and organisations.
Community groups and voluntary organisations receiving a grant must commit to working in partnership with local networks and community hubs supporting Ukrainians in the stated local geography.
This funding offers grants to local community groups and charities as they respond and develop activities in their efforts to help people impacted by the invasion of Ukraine. This may include local specific Ukraine relief projects created within charities and new groups established for the purpose of supporting Ukrainians. Examples of work which may be funded could include:
- Initiatives which help with access to welfare
- Activities that support mental health and wellbeing
- Language support and lessons
- Venue hire for classes or groups
All community group and voluntary organisation applicants must provide the following information with their completed application:
- A set of rules, constitution or a governing document;
- A bank statement from the last three months if available;
- Accounts or a record of expenditure from the last financial year, if available;
- Proof that the annual income is under £1,000,000;
- Bank account in organisational name;
What can you apply for?
Grants of up to £3,000 are available to community groups and voluntary organisations based in the Lewes District delivering activities and support under the themes identified and meeting the above criteria. Groups may reapply providing the success of their activities and demonstrate a continued need.
A total of £30,000 is being made available.
Activities you could seek funding for could include:
- Providing transport, such as community transport, for guests to access activities and services in other localities e.g., from rural areas to a main conurbation
- This can also include rail and bus services to access services, benefits, education, and employment opportunities.
- Organising meeting spaces for guests, sponsors, a community group or voluntary organisation to deliver an activity or service
- Connecting young people to each other and to activities to prevent social isolation.
- Social, recreational, and wellbeing activities and materials for guests as well as befriending services to help people connect with others from their home country
- Access to English language courses and other educational activities.
- Access to a local foodbank or food partnership activity, access to support for registering for universal credit, providing mental health, wellbeing, and trauma support
- Support associated with signposting, form filling, making appointments, interview preparation and CV writing.
What we are unable to fund?
- Organisations or activities based outside of Lewes District.
- Organisations that discriminate based on ethnic origin, race, religion, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation
- Organisations where the service provided is used as a vehicle or means to promote religious beliefs
- Only benefit one individual
- Are focussed on making profits and sharing these profits privately
- Are raising funds for works or equipment already committed, bought, or completed
- Activities that have already taken place
- Overtly or exclusively promote a political agenda
- Overtly or exclusively promote a religious agenda
- Include purchase of alcohol or illegal substances
Application process
Applications should be submitted to 3VA.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, with decisions expected within three – four weeks of submission.
Apply via the 3VA website
Monitoring Requirements
Grant recipients will be expected to provide a written summary based on their stated activities/support two months after receiving the grant and a final summary to be completed by 31st May 2023.
The written summary should be no more than one side of A4, and provide information on the activity/support provided, highlighting any concerns and issues that were dealt with, and the positive outcomes for the beneficiaries.
Please note that monitoring summary will be shared with Lewes District Council.
