The aim of the Hardship Fund is to raise much-needed cash for Aberdeen-based registered charities to help individuals, families and communities across the city experiencing severe financial hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Crowdfunder page has been reactivated on the council’s website to allow anyone anywhere to donate to this worthy cause. 100% of all donations received will go directly to helping those experiencing genuine hardship in Aberdeen due to COVID-19.

To kickstart the new Crowdfunder appeal Aberdeen City Council has allocated £50,000 from the Food and Essential Provisions Fund it received from the Scottish Government, to support people in communities across the city impacted by the pandemic to access food and other essentials.

Local registered charities have until 11.59pm on Wednesday 26 August to apply for support with up to a maximum of £5,000 available to successful applicants. Community groups cannot apply for funding however they may wish to consider partnering up with a registered charity in order that they can work together to support local communities.

To apply to the Hardship Fund, registered charities must complete an application form hosted on the website.

Barney Crockett, The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, said: “The Trust has been heartened by the amazing response from businesses, associations and private individuals to help the most vulnerable in our communities during this pandemic. The enthusiasm and resilience of staff and volunteers at all our local charities across the city has been incredible.

“There is still more to be done, which is why the Trust has decided to relaunch the Crowdfunding appeal. I would urge everyone from large organisations to private individuals to give what you can give what you can as every penny goes towards helping those most in need who have and continue to be impacted by COVID-19. Together we will get through this.”

Mervyn Donald, deacon convenor, The Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen, added: “The Aberdeen Covid Emergency Fund crowdfunding resumes this week and we would appeal to individuals and businesses of any size to support this much needed cause. The Aberdeen locality has been through a very tough time recently and so many people have been affected. We would encourage and be very grateful of any support provided.

“The fund provides much needed capital to charities who in turn help anyone suffering through hardship at this time. Since May, the fund has aided many families and individuals across Aberdeen, and we believe it is vital to continue to make a difference in the city and the surrounding area to keep everyone safe and well.” 

In less than three months from its original launch (Friday 01 May 2020) the COVID-19 Hardship Fund raised more than a quarter of a millions pounds (£251,513) thanks to donations from members of the public, business people and donations of £100,000 from the Seven Incorporated Trades Widows’ Charity and £100,000 from Aberdeen City Council via the Common Good Fund.

In total 39 charities received £251,070, supporting 5,088 individuals, 3,626 families, 1,835 children and young people, and 23,920 meals, 5,806 food parcels and 15,000 fruit packs.