Nora Smith, Chief Executive, CO3
Reacting to the announcement by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA of a £15m Covid-19 Charities Fund, CO3 Chief Executive Nora Smith said:
“This is a welcome announcement from Minister Hargey which will help relieve some of the immediate pressures within our local charity sector. Charities have seen their incomes decimated due to the pandemic and at a time when demand for services has actually increased.
“This fund must be the first measure in a wider and much more comprehensive rescue package to save the sector.
“We now need urgent clarity over the application criteria and eligibility for this fund. This injection of money needs to reach those organisations on the ground without delay.”