The Hardship Fund for voluntary organisations - that deliver services in health and social care, education and training,  information and guidance, and housing support - but that are themselves facing financial difficulties has opened for applications.

The fund, worth a total of £16.7m will offer grants of between £50,000 and £250,000. Organisations need to have a turnover of at least £200,000 to qualify.

The fund will not cover statutory activities, or services that were previously funded by a contract since lost in a competitive tendering process. Organisations need to have been constituted for at least 18 months and must be able to show either stable or growing demand for their services. They also need to be able to show demonstrable evidence of financial hardship. See the guidance notes for more details on eligibility criteria.

The Hardship Fund is administered by the Community Development Foundation.