News
Small volunteer led and community groups throughout Surrey have benefited from nearly half a million pounds in grants over the financial year 2009/10 thanks to the Community Foundation for Surrey's Grassroots Grants programme. A total of 130 organisations, supporting a huge range of need throughout the county, have each received a grant ranging from £250 - £5,000 from the £446,654 awarded.
Recent groups to benefit from grants include Sheerwater Helping Hands in Woking which received £5,000 to establish a Good Neighbours Scheme. Sheerwater was the only area in Woking not to have a neighbourhood scheme and it will now be able to recruit and train volunteers to support vulnerable, disabled and elderly people with a number of tasks such as weekly shopping and transport to hospital appointment. Cedar House Support Group has also received £5,000 towards a postnatal depression support group at the Corner House in Maybury.
“I’m delighted with the support from the Community Foundation for Surrey for the Helping Hands project,” says Community Development Officer for Sheerwater, Bob Morgan. “There’s a great need for volunteers for the scheme in Sheerwater and this will be a big help in achieving that. As a result of our grant we can now offer training for volunteers. We’d be very pleased to hear from anyone else who would want to join us on this scheme.”
Chairman of the Community Foundation for Surrey, Professor Patrick Dowling says that the good news is that there is more funding on offer this year. “We have one more year of Grassroots funding to distribute to organisations which would benefit from a grant to support their running costs, equipment and events. We’re hoping to be able to distribute all of our remaining £277,000 funds before the project finishes in March next year so would encourage anyone who thinks they may qualify to give us a call.”
Any volunteer-led group which has been established for at least one year and has an average annual income of less than £30,000 is eligible to apply for Grassroots funding. Grants of between £250 - £5,000 are available and applications can be made at any time until 31st December 2010.
The Community Foundation for Surrey was established four years ago, aiming to inspire local giving for local needs. The Grassroots Grants programme is just one of a number of funds that it manages. These funds are established by individuals who want to give something back to their local communities and provides a professional service to those wishing to establish a personal trust fund with them. All permanent funds invested can currently be matched £1 for £1 under the Government’s Grassroots Endowment Challenge which makes it a particularly compelling time to give. All funds go to support a growing programme of grant-making to communities across Surrey.
To find out more about applying for a Grassroots Grant, or donating to a fund please call 01483 409230 or visit www.communityfoundationsurrey.org.uk .