Ten community foundations, at work in some of the worst affected areas, will receive an equal share to support and extend their continued response to the flooding and storms by meeting community need.

Community foundations in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk, Somerset, Surrey, Dorset, Gloucester and Lincolnshire will all benefit from the OCS funding.

When the flooding first occurred community foundations were among the first to recognise the scale of the issue and respond to the immediate needs they identified. Community foundations in affected areas set up emergency relief funds to harness the public desire to donate and to ensure funds reached those impacted in a strategic and targeted way. The local fundraising was supported by a national appeal, managed by UKCF. To date, more than £2.5million has been raised from all activities.

These funds were used to provide immediate relief at the height of the crisis and are now being focused on supporting communities over the long term, rebuilding of homes, businesses and the local economy.

Stephen Hammersley, CEO UK Community Foundations, said: “The Office of Civil Society’s £500,000 funding is gratefully received. It will mean community foundations can continue meeting significant need in their areas and represents a vote of confidence in our network and its ability to distribute funds quickly and effectively, where need is greatest.

“Community foundations were some of the first to respond to the flooding crisis, establishing emergency funds alongside a national appeal. We have raised more than £2.5million to bring immediate relief and also support community rebuilding.Applying unparalleled local knowledge and experience to identify and assess the issues on the ground means we can deliver a highly strategic and targeted response which will make a lasting difference to the affected communities.”

Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd said: “I’ve awarded UK Community Foundations a grant of £500,000 to support its vital work helping flood-affected communities recover. The Government will work with local community foundations in 10 flood affected areas to ensure that people get the funds and local support that they need. It’s important that now the waters have receded and the media interest has subsided that people and businesses are properly supported to get back on their feet.”

OCS funding covers 10 appeals in England. The Community Foundation in Wales is also running a flood and storm appeal fund.

To donate please visit the following pages or donate to our national appeal: 

·         Berkshire Community Foundation 

·         Buckinghamshire Community Foundation

·         Cornwall Community Foundation

·         Devon Community Foundation

·         Dorset Community Foundation

·         Gloucestershire Community Foundation

·         Lincolnshire Community Foundation

·         Norfolk Community Foundation

·         Somerset Community Foundation

·         Community Foundation for Surrey 

·         Community Foundation in Wales