In an unprecedented move, the Bradford Council for Mosques (CfM) has earmarked £100,000 Mosque Support Fund in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This initial fund is available for mosques within the Bradford District that are in hardship to help with running and maintenance costs during the national lockdown and will be capped at £1,000 per application.
The scheme has been set up following the suspension of congregational prayers and teachings across all mosques and Muslim supplementary faith schools in Bradford during the COVID-19 outbreak.
With many mosques financially reliant on income from the teaching of children and donations from the community, the scheme will help to cover utility and other running costs during the lockdown period.
Announcing the Mosque Support Fund President of the Bradford Council for Mosques, Zulfiqar Karim DL said: “Bradford Council for Mosques fully understands the gravity of the situation in which mosques currently find themselves, through no fault of their own.
“Safeguarding the future of our mosques and supporting our communities is our priority, and this fund will help to ensure that we are able to better recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
“However, there is still more to be done.
“I’m calling on charities and organisations across our region to join us as part of this scheme. Our aim is to double the amount of funding available through partners and other contributions, providing much-needed relief to our community during this unprecedented time.”
The Bradford CfM was set up in 1981 as a forum to develop consensus on matters of significance across the District’s Muslim community.
For further information on the Mosque Support Fund, please email: info@councilformosques.co.uk
