The rising cost of living is an increasing concern for people across the country. For many people living in Hackney, higher utility bills and fuel costs mean the difference between making ends meet and no longer being able to afford essential items. For those who were already financially vulnerable, price increases have made things worse.

Thanks to donations from individuals and businesses, in October 2022, Hackney Giving was able to make three grants of £5,000 each to charities that are supporting people locally as prices increase. We have contributed to the cost of Shepherdfold Ministry’s after school club for children and young people, increased provision at Hackney Cypriot Association’s lunch club for older residents and funded Ozer Umagen to buy food for families who are struggling.

Partnership with Hackney Council

In autumn 2022, Hackney Council recognised the financial challenges facing residents and accessed further funding for charities and community groups that are helping people over the winter months. The funding priorities used by Hackney Giving’s cost of living programme matched the Council’s intention for its own funding, so we are now working together to distribute an additional £150,000.

At Hackney Giving, we received many more applications than we were able to fund through our initial Cost of Living round and the extra money meant we were able to look again at applications we’d previously had to decline. Using the Council’s funding, we awarded grants of £5,000 to 12 organisations we couldn’t fund at first. This £60,000 will go towards provision of food and essentials, help with bill payments or outside school provision for children and young people.

Distributing funding efficiently

By working in partnership, we are able to distribute funding more efficiently than operating separately. For charities and community groups, there was no need to apply a second time and by reviewing project proposals already received, this £60,000 was distributed more quickly than would have been possible via a new round of applications.

Further funding available

There is still up to £90,000 available for distribution. Hackney Giving is open until 11 January for applications for work to support people with the cost of living through the winter months. For full details, eligibility and how to apply, please go to https://hackneygiving.org.uk/apply/