£750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities

Charities across the UK will receive a £750 million package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the measures, part of a UK-wide package of support, detailing that £360 million will be directly allocated by government departments to charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the crisis.

Additionally, £370 million will be allocated for small and medium-sized charities, including through a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund for those in England, supporting those organisations at the heart of local communities which are making a big difference during the outbreak, including those delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice.

The government will also match fund whatever the public decides to donate to the BBC’s Big Night In charity appeal on 23 April, starting with a contribution of at least £20 million to the National Emergencies Trust appeal.

 Sunak said: “Our charities are playing a crucial role in the national fight against coronavirus, supporting those who are most in need. It’s right we do everything we can to help the sector during this difficult time, which is why we have announced this unprecedented £750 million package of extra funding. This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on.”