It hasn't taken long for the eight county organisations who came together to help keep charities afloat during the pandemic to make their mark.

The Gloucestershire Funders Group (GFG), a new collaboration of eight charitable foundations and organisations which was set-up to provide funding for charities, groups, people and activities in Gloucestershire, was launched less than three weeks ago.

Already, 35 out of 50 charities who applied have received grants, totalling more than £300,000, that will enable them to continue to function - and other applications are still being considered.

Georgia Boon of the Barnwood Trust, which hosts the GFG, said: "As a funder of community spaces in Gloucestershire, our aim is to keep those places in the county strong, so that they will continue to strengthen communities where possible throughout the Covid crisis, and afterwards.

"Gloucestershire charities and civil society groups have responded incredibly to the crisis, which has brought with it very great challenges. As a group of funders, we want to support what's most needed in Gloucestershire."

The Police and Crime Commissioner's Office (OPCC) is also a member of the group. Richard Bradley, OPCC chief executive, said: "We are proud to be a member of this group and to witness how we are all working together to maximise use of our funds for the benefit of our local charities.

"Some of the organisations who come to us are facing an uncertain future, where timing can be all important. One of our aims is to make it as easy as possible for organisations to apply for funds and we have a very simple application form that makes it easier for a swift response.

"We know we won't be able to help everyone, but we are committed to doing as much as we can without compromising our ability to go on funding into the future."

Organisations, communities and groups should first discuss their application by calling Georgia Boon on 07516 030263 or emailing Georgia.Boon@barnwoodtrust.org .

All ideas will be shared with the Gloucestershire Funders to identify potential longer-term sources of support.