The chairman of the Manx Solidarity Fund says it is clear that many people, business and organisations are in ’urgent need’ of help.

Basil Bielich was speaking as the fund announced it was now inviting applications for grant or loan support from island businesses, charities and individuals negatively impacted by Covid-19.

A new online application form is now live and additionally, a JustGiving page has been launched to help facilitate further donations to the Fund after it was revealed that because of the generosity of donors some £167,000 has been raised so far.

Mr Bielich said: ’Since launching the Manx Solidarity Fund we have been humbled by the support and interest the initiative has received.

’It is clear that many people, businesses and organisations are in urgent need of support to help tackle financial issues arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. We are here to help and we encourage anyone who needs support to apply to the fund via the online form.’

All applications will be reviewed closely by the trustees of the Fund. They are keen that any support allocated to businesses is primarily used for the retention of employees so that a positive intervention ensures as broad a benefit as possible for the local economy.

The fund, whose patron is the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, believes a ’significant number of applications’ are expected to be received in the coming days and weeks. Therefore, the trustees are keen to encourage further donations so that as many deserving applicants as possible can be supported.

Donations to the Fund can be made at www.manxsolidarityfund.com/donate or via the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/manxsolidarityfund

Isle of Man-based payment app ’MuchBetter’ is also supporting the Manx Solidarity Fund. Anyone with a MuchBetter account can donate via their payment app at https://muchbetter.com/en/iomdonations/

Local digital marketing and software company, Afundi, developed the online form within a matter of days following the finalisation of the assessment process for applications by the trustees.

Grant and loan support can now be applied for at www.manxsolidarityfund.com/apply

â?¢ Insurance companies backing the Manx Solidarity Fund - see page 31 in today’s Isle of Man Examiner.