The Community Foundation Network, architect of the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund, featured on BBC's The One Show last night discussing its latest scheme to provide additional support for elderly people struggling to meet the cost of winter.
CFN was last year's Charity Awards winner in the Grantmaking category, having developed the Dispossessed Fund which raised more than £5m to support people living in poverty in London.
It has now launched the Surviving Winter campaign, which asks those receiving the winter fuel allowance payment but who do not need it, to donate some or all of it to help those who are struggling to heat their homes.
The national scheme was born from a local Somerset campaign launched last year which raised £55,000. CFN has now taken the campaign to the rest of the UK, and has gained support from celebrities and MPs alike. In November Prime Minister David Cameron said he would consider adding a call for donations to the winter fuel allowance notices.
CFN is working with National Energy Action on the campaign to tackle fuel poverty this winter and will collaborate with local community and voluntary groups to identify need and deliver hardship grants to individuals. Organisations wishing to express interest in helping deliver the campaign can apply through the CFN website.
The following film was produced by The Media Company to support the Surviving Winter Campaign:
