Local charities make up the lifeblood of our communities. They make a daily difference to millions of people. That’s why Community Foundations are proud to announce, on Local Charities Day, that collectively we have distributed ONE BILLION POUNDS to local charities.
This milestone shows the impact that Community Foundations have had on local communities. In the last year alone, the Community Foundation for Merseyside distributed over £594,000 in grants.
From mental wellbeing to fuel poverty to food banks, we support communities where they need it the most. As a network we reach every postcode in the UK and this reach means that we support the very smallest charities and community groups, who often go unnoticed by many. But it’s these charities that are a lifeline for so many people and desperately need our support.
Take, for example the Daneway Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation, which gives grants to local charities to support grassroots projects working with young people in Sefton, Wirral and Liverpool.
The Fillies Girls Football Club is a community organisation in Netherton, using football as a vehicle to extend social access, encourage participation, increase skill and creativity, and improve the health and quality of the lives of young girls. The club received funding from the Daneway Foundation to run first aid training courses for injuries that may occur on the playing field and prepare them for emergency CPR.
Part of the grant also allowed the club to run a 12 week course educating and raising awareness of mental health issues within the local community. This included football coached sessions and classroom lessons.
Fabian French, Chief Executive of UK Community Foundations, said “At UK Community Foundations we’re proud to work with incredible local charities day in day out. We understand the needs of the communities we work in and direct grants to causes that will meet that need and will make the biggest difference. That’s why we passionately support local Charities Day and why Community Foundations are, as the Chair of the Charity Commission says ‘exactly what charities should be”.
Rae Brooke, CEO of Community Foundation for Merseyside said; “As the regions local Community Foundation, we are so proud of all the fantastic charitable organisations who are working to build stronger communities. It is great to see the government highlighting the work of small charities, which are making remarkable differences in their communities, by introducing Local Charities Day.”
Support your local Community Foundation and help us reach two billion pounds so we can continue to support local communities.
