The funding has been made to projects right across Dorset, within towns, villages and both urban and rural communities.

The Foundation has also worked closely with the National Emergencies Trust, local and regional charitable trusts and generous individuals to raise a wonderful £500,000.

Grant Robson, Foundation Director explained: ‘I am overwhelmed by people’s generosity which has enabled us to play a significance part in Dorset’s response to the crisis. We have made grants to foodbanks, community transport, older people’s groups, health and disability support, community volunteers, food deliveries, homelessness, mental health and family well-being, to name a few.

We are by no means finished, with the help of local companies, charitable trusts and individuals we will keep making grants. There is a long and difficult road ahead and we need to pull together and help the most vulnerable during these difficult times.’

One of the funded projects is Portland Foodbank. The project received a grant of £5,000 to support food purchases and fuel costs for deliveries being made by volunteers. The project has seen the number of people who need their help double and the lock down and social distancing situation has also made their work very challenging.

MyTime Young Carers also received funding to enable the charity to reach out to young carers all over the county at a time when they are likely to be feeling particularly isolated and overwhelmed. Penelope Day from the charity explained: ‘MYTime Young Carers are so grateful to have received this funding. The money will go straight into MYTime @ Home, our online programme launched specifically in response to the coronavirus crisis, and designed to provide young carers with the support and bite-sized opportunities for relaxation they need right now.’