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Priority to support the third sector during the recession

CAB 098-09
13 November 2009

Responding to challenges facing front-line groups during the recession, the Minister for the Third Sector has announced today that all £750,000 allocated into the Campaign Research Programme will now be transferred into the Hardship Fund.

The Hardship Fund supports third sector organisations to provide front line services to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society, and is now almost fully allocated. So far over 160 organisations have been awarded grants amounting to around £14.5 million. This additional £750,000 will enable up to 15 extra organisations to continue to provide vital services through the recession.

All organisations who attended an interview for the Campaign Research Programme will be offered campaign training, but will no longer be offered grants. These grants will be helping to support vital services and support during the recession.

Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector, said:

“Having met third sector organisations across the country, it is clear to me that our priority at this time has to be to support the third sector during the recession. The decision does not alter Government is committed to enabling campaigning in the third sector.

“I hope that the campaign training goes some way to making amends to the organisations that have attended an interview.”

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Notes to editors

• For more information contact Samuel Heath on 020 7276 1196.

Tel: 020 7276 0436 – Fax: 020 7276 1146
Out of hours telephone 07699 113300 and ask for pager number 721338