Communities Secretary Sajid Javid today (26 June 2017) announced that the government is providing £1 million to support the charitable response to the Grenfell Tower disaster.
This recognises the extraordinary efforts made by many smaller charities and not-for-profit organisations following this tragic event.
The money is a significant contribution to the locally-led recovery effort. It will be administered by a consortium of independent trusts and charities, and be co-ordinated by London Funders.
The first payments are in the process of being made to reimburse charities for their immediate response to the disaster, as well as supporting on-going efforts.
The government is providing a further £48,000 to give organisational support for the assistance centre, located at the Westway Centre, and the community groups working most closely with the people affected. This will be administered by voluntary organisation Locality.
The funding announced today is in addition to the £5 million Grenfell Tower Residents’ Discretionary Fund.
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said:
The residents of Grenfell Tower have been through some of the most harrowing experiences imaginable and the response from local charities and volunteers has been remarkable.
This funding will mean that smaller charities and community organisations can continue to make a huge difference.
The first payments are in the process of being made and the government will continue to do everything we can as fast as we can to support those affected by this terrible tragedy.
David Warner, CEO of London Funders, said:
We are delighted that the DCLG has responded with vital funds to provide immediate support to community groups in Kensington and Chelsea who are supporting those directly affected by the Grenfell Fire.
London Funders, along with a consortium of Trusts and Foundations, is making sure the money gets to those groups who can best use it as quickly as possible. We have now put in place the processes to make that happen.
Tony Armstrong, CEO of Locality, said:
Local community organisations have been at the heart of the response to the devastating Grenfell Tower fire, providing relief, shelter and support to the hundreds of individuals and families.
Local people, groups and organisations need to be heard and have more power over what happens in their local area. This funding will help make sure people affected by the disaster continue to receive valuable services, and have access to the local facilities and buildings that have been so crucial in the response to the fire.
Follow this news feed: HM Government