YORKSHIRE Building Society Charitable Foundation has launched a fund to support smaller charities during the coronavirus crisis.

Grants of between £250 and £2,000 will be awarded to groups that are helping communities cope with the impact of the pandemic.

Charities can apply for support with running, staff and travel costs as well as volunteer expenses.

Gordon Rogers, for the foundation, said: “The impact that coronavirus is having, including on the charity sector, is unparalleled. With the launch of our fund we are aiming to help charities that support the ongoing needs of vulnerable people and those suffering from poverty.

“We will be prioritising smaller charities that have an income of £100,000 or less and ones that for example may be helping vulnerable people who are self-isolating, supplying items for foodbanks, or alleviating the impact of children no longer receiving free school meals due to school closures.”

For further information about the Coronavirus Response Fund and to apply, visit ybs.co.uk/charitablefoundation. Charities will receive a decision within a fortnight of submitting their application.