The Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal, run by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), has raised over £100,000 since its launch just over a month ago.

The appeal is raising money to fund local charities and community organisations supporting those in most urgent need during the cost-of-living crisis. Donations have come from local individuals, charitable trusts and businesses, including £50,000 from Somerset County Council.

The charity is now offering grants to local charities with the funds raised to date and has launched the Warm Somerset Spaces Fund. Charities and community groups across the county offering 'warm spaces' to people experiencing fuel poverty this winter are invited to apply for a grant of up to £1,000. Grants will help fund dozens of community spaces to stay open longer over the winter months, helping to keep vulnerable people warm, safe and well. Funding will be awarded weekly to help charities respond rapidly to the cost-of-living crisis.

Laura Blake, Philanthropy Director at Somerset Community Foundation said: "We're really concerned about how people on low incomes will cope as inflation continues to surge and the cost of household essentials like food, energy and fuel continue to increase.

"We launched the Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal to raise vital funds for local charities working directly with people living in poverty, and after a phenomenal response we're now able to start awarding grants to support local groups and charities.

"Our grassroots charities are never more needed and will be central to helping people through the cost-of-living crisis. We're very pleased to be able to start awarding our first grants from the fund, thanks to the support we've had from local donors so far and look forward to supporting local community spaces stay open for longer this winter."

Future grants from the money raised through the Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal will fund crucial local work such as debt advice, food banks, mental health support, help for people with disabilities or older people, and homelessness organisations.

Any community group or charity wishing to apply for funding to help fund their community spaces to stay open longer over the winter months should visit the SCF website where they can find guidance on how to make an application to the Warm Somerset Spaces Fund: www.somersetcf.org.uk/warm

Those wishing to donate to the Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal can visit the SCF website: www.somersetcf.org.uk/costofliving or, if that isn't possible, call 01749 344949.

Somerset Community Foundation is a charity that helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy. They aim to build stronger communities in Somerset where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. They provide rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give through them, to the causes and places they care about most. Together, they fund amazing organisations and the passionate people that change lives every day.

Since SCF were founded in 2002 they've awarded over £20 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Som