Charities are being urged to bid for £1.4m in funding to help them develop new services to respond to the Covid-19 crisis.

The Increasing Access Fund has been created by the Peter Sowerby Foundation to boost charity sector support for communities struggling amid the pandemic.

Digital projects are a key focus of the funding, which is in the strands: digital healthcare breakthrough grants; digital good causes grants; and adapted good causes grants.

Calling all #health charities, are you developing new digital services that respond to the COVID-19 situation, or adapting existing services? We have just launched a £1.4million Fund to help you make a difference: https://t.co/0kuwoqOVTY #innovation pic.twitter.com/U6ADamDHqe

— Sowerby Foundation (@PeterSowerbyFdn) October 26, 2020

Those working in healthcare innovation, including supporting disabled people, investing in medical research and helping those with mental health problems and long term condition.

Community organisations, particularly supporting young people and isolated older people are also urged to apply, as are environmental groups that have been impacted by the closure of venues.

Arts charities are also invited to apply, especially for projects that are being adapted and to benefit communities impacted by Covid-19.

Applications must be received by 5pm on November 16.

The funding comes amid increasing demand for charity services amid the pandemic. Figures released by the NCVO and academics at two universities earlier this week found that more than half of charities are expecting to see an increased demand for their services and eight out of ten believe the pandemic will have a negative impact on their objectives.

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