Devon County Council’s (DCC) Growing Communities Fund (GCF) is pledging another £200,000 for community projects.

So far more than £250,000 has been awarded to local projects, many of which are helping communities cope with the sharp increase in food prices and heating bills.

DCC invite applications for projects that support communities and help them  to become more resilient.

The extra funding is in response to the fastest rise in the cost of living for 40 years – the cost of food increased by 14.6 per cent in the year to September, reaching its highest level since 1980.

Many of the 128 projects that have been helped so far directly help communities to cope with these financial pressures.

These include projects that offer local people a warm safe haven,  produce food, distribute surplus food and essentials, food banks and classes showing communities how to cook nutritious meals on a budget.

But regardless of the activity every group that has received or been pledged funding has one thing in common – a willingness to build self-reliance and resilience within a community.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council cabinet member for public health, communities and equality, said: “People right across the county are feeling the effect of the cost of living crisis with increased food prices and higher energy costs.

“We have seen how the Growing Communities Fund can provide vital support to local communities that make a genuine difference. I’m pleased to be able to announce more funding and we would particularly welcome applications for projects that support communities through the financial crisis, helping them to become more resilient, such as projects that help ensure communities are well nourished and kept warm.”

You can complete and submit the grants application form online.

For more information, please contact communitygrants@devon.gov.uk or call 01392 383379.