Cash boosts of up to £3,000 will help bring vital funds to charities and community groups in Burnley

The Christal Foundation is giving out grants of up to £3,000 in a bid to save grassroots organisations which have suffered in the recent years of austerity.

Managed by the Community Foundation for Lancashire, the fund has been established as a permanent charitable endowment fund for the next three years as a minimum.

Rae Brooke, chief executive of the Community Foundation, said: “Grassroots organisations have been hit particularly hard over the last few years due to the current economic climate, which has made it harder to secure funding, and yet these organisations are often the first and sometimes only point of support for individuals and communities trying to make a difference in their lives.

“That is why we are proud to be launching the Christal Foundation to help support these local charities.

“Being set up as an endowment fund means that charities will be able to benefit from this fund for many years to come.”

Grants are available to fund:

*Gaps in current provision.

* Provision of seed funding and freedom to help community groups, used as test and learn funding.

* Feasibility studies and projects which may struggle to secure funding from elsewhere.

The first deadline for applications is Friday, September 28th. n For more information visitwww.lancsfoundation.org.uk/apply.

The first grants will be awarded in November.