Community groups inspired by the YEP-backed Surviving Winter campaign are already applying for a share of £75,000 to help the elderly and those affected by fuel poverty.
Just days after the YEP unveiled the grants programme, project leaders were already bidding for a cash boost from Leeds Community Foundation. Chief executive Sally-Anne Greenfield said: “We are really pleased with the response.
“Several groups have been in touch to find out more about the campaign and have told us they are submitting an application as they really need funding to support some of their work in the run-up to Christmas.
“We already know of projects that are going to apply for funding to provide blankets and thermal clothing, information about how to keep warm at Christmas, a special shopping scheme for if the weather gets really bad and lots more.”
One organisation which will be applying is Zest Health for Life, after the success of its winter project last year.
Community development worker Maureen Lillywhite used the ÂŁ2,300 grant to hire a minibus and transport people to and from Kirkgate Market.
Once there they visited Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food, enjoyed a free bowl of soup and did some shopping.
Maureen said: “We took them home to their door, with their shopping, they’d got some information and they’d got out.
“They were over the moon.”
They were also provided with information on everything from flu jabs to insulation, while the grant also funded winter warmth awareness days and cookery sessions.
Last year’s cash giveaway helped around 9,000 people.
Grants of up to ÂŁ2,500 are available but projects benefiting a large part of the city can apply for up to ÂŁ5,000.
* More details at: www.leedscf.org.uk/grant-making.htm
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