VOLUNTARY, community and social enterprise organisations across Herefordshire are being invited to apply for funding to develop innovative projects that help residents avoid financial crisis and build long-term resilience.

The Innovation Grant Programme is being delivered through a partnership between Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Community Foundation and is funded through the Department for Work and Pensions’ Crisis and Resilience Fund.

The programme will support projects that strengthen community-based support, improve financial wellbeing and help people access early assistance before problems escalate.

Herefordshire Community Foundation will administer and distribute the fund on behalf of the authority, drawing on its experience of managing community grant programmes and supporting local organisations across the county.

The grant programme is designed to encourage new and innovative approaches that address identified local needs, strengthen local support networks and complement existing services.

Projects could include expanding successful initiatives, testing new ideas, increasing the reach of current services or addressing gaps in provision.

Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for adults, health and wellbeing, said: "We know that financial pressures can affect anyone and, without the right support, can quickly develop into a crisis.

“This fund will enable trusted local organisations to test new approaches that build financial resilience and help people before problems escalate.

"By working with Herefordshire Community Foundation, we can draw on the knowledge and community connections that already exist across the county. We look forward to supporting ideas that reach people who may not engage with existing services and deliver lasting benefits for Herefordshire residents."

The programme forms part of Herefordshire Council's wider Crisis and Resilience Fund, which aims to reduce inequalities, strengthen communities and improve wellbeing across the county by supporting residents before they reach crisis point.

Further information about eligibility, funding levels, application criteria and timescales will be published when the fund opens for applications. Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to watch for updates from Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Community Foundation.