Community funding for festive celebrations
We’re offering community groups up to £750 to put on a Christmas lunch for local residents.
The Christmas Lunch Support Fund, paid for by the Government, is aimed at those in our communities who are most affected by the increased cost of living or who may be socially isolated.
The grant is designed for local groups to deliver a Christmas meal for people in need, provide a safe and warm place for people to enjoy that meal and, if possible, to have other advice and information to support people in the winter ahead.
Apply for a Christmas Lunch Grant
Cllr Adeel Shah, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Community Development and Engagement, said: "The festive period is a time to come together with your friends and family and enjoy time together.
"Sadly, some people don’t have the support network we take for granted and it can be a lonely and difficult period.
“These grants, drawn from Government funding, will give people that may not otherwise enjoy a seasonal get together meal an opportunity enjoy a special celebration of their own.
“You do not have to celebrate Christmas to benefit from this fund. You must though, if successful in applying, be able to provide a meal for a group of people and do so before 31 December.”
Organisations may apply for up to £750 towards the cost of running a Christmas or other festive lunch taking place throughout the month of December. All events must be open to the wider, non-religious community.
Outreach workers, such as Citizens Advice staff or NHS Social Prescribers, should also be invited to the meals to offer support to those attending.
The funding for this scheme has been secured from Hampshire County Council and funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund. The Household Support Fund is set up to support households and families with the significant rise in the cost of utilities and food.
Applications must be received no later than Sunday 17 November 2024.