An organisation that helped communities with emergency support during the coronavirus outbreak has launched a programme to address the "new needs" appearing as a result of the virus.
The Community Foundation has unveiled its 'New Needs Fund', which alongside Comic Relief is making £600,000 available to community groups and charities.
In March, the foundation's 'Coronavirus Community Fund' helped address the immediate needs of people during the pandemic, such as setting up foodbanks, distributing meals and offering helpline services.
Over the past 15 weeks, £1.78m was awarded to over 540 organisations.
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As Northern Ireland moves out of lockdown, the Community Foundation said it is thinking about the future and its new fund is the next phase of support for voluntary sector organisations.
Síofra Healy from the Community Foundation said: "Phase one was all about emergency support, making sure that those who needed help were able to get it quickly, with organisations mobilising to set up foodbanks, meal distribution, fuel poverty and helpline services.
"As we move out of the period of most immediate need, we’re focusing on the future, helping organisations to focus and deliver on action orientated, community led responses.
"Communities have demonstrated staggering generosity towards the vulnerable in society, however, the pandemic has further widened the chasm of societal inequalities, with already disadvantaged groups suffering the most.
"Our resilient and resourceful voluntary and community sector is facing huge challenges ahead in meeting these even greater needs.
"As such, projects applying to the 'New Needs Fund' should demonstrate support for at least one of the vulnerable groups outlined in the application, including older people, people with poor mental health, and black, Asian and ethnic minorities."
Grants of between £5,000 and £15,000 are available, focusing on community-led initiatives.
Clare Kiely from Comic Relief said:
"As we start to adapt to our 'new normal', it's vital that those organisations are supported to reflect on what comes next and to work with communities to start to recover and rebuild.
"Organisations are facing an uncertain future and need funds to sustain themselves so they are not only able to support people now but into the future."
For further information, please visit www.communityfoundationni.org
