|
|
| Norfolk Community Foundation
News | |
|
|
|
|
Welcome
I'm delighted to have joined Norfolk Community Foundation as director and to introduce our latest newsletter, which will now be coming to you quarterly, rather than alternate months.
Although I am new to working in the Third Sector after many years as Managing Director of Marsh Ltd, the global insurance broker based in Norwich, I'm looking forward to the challenge of taking the Foundation forward in these difficult times.
But equally it's exciting to be steering forward an organisation that has clearly been very successful since its creation and is making a real difference where help is most needed in the Norfolk Community.
Undoubtedly the Foundation will continue to have a vital role to play in the challenging times ahead and your continued support is greatly appreciated.
I hope you will agree that the news updates that follow show just how valuable that support is.
 Graham Tuttle Director |
|
 |
|
|
| NCF helping organisations to get the most from their community funds |
|
We reported in our January issue how NCF administers a community fund on behalf of The Victory Housing Trust. We also process its grant applications, and send our assessments to Victory's Partnership Panel which makes the final decision.
Here's what Helen Burrows, the Community Services Manager says about the arrangement:
"Victory Housing Trust's core role is to provide good quality affordable housing, but we also feel very strongly that we have a wider responsibility to help build stronger communities.
"We were keen to make available funds to meet that goal, but recognised we had neither the expertise nor infrastructure to provide a professional grant giving service. By working in partnership with the Norfolk Community Foundation we have been able to meet our wider community goal and maximise the local impact of our grant giving.
"The effectiveness of the Fund and the ease with which it has operated has prompted us to raise our annual contribution from £25,000 to £35,000. In tough economic times the work of the Foundation takes on even more importance in ensuring funds reach the most deserving community groups.
"At a meeting of the Victory Housing Community Fund in April, six projects were recommended for aid. Details on two of these are shared below.
"The Griffin Area Partnership based in North Walsham received £5,000 to run a one year pilot project to provide a local venue and support for fathers who live apart from their children.
"The Holt Youth Project, which focuses on reducing anti-social behaviour and bullying by providing recreation and advice, received £3,000 for a healthy lifestyle project for children and young people"
|
| Grassroots - campaign update |
In March this year we were delighted that Kevin Brennan, the Minister for the Third Sector, visited Norfolk to meet our team at Norfolk Community Foundation to see our work on the Grassroots Grants Programme.
He also visited allotments on Bluebell Road to see for himself the work of 'The Sustainable Living Initiative' a group that had received a grant of £5,000 under the programme to improve access for children and disabled gardeners and to provide materials for the allotment, which encourages children and adults alike".
About Grassroots
As you all know the Foundation was awarded the Government's Grassroots Programme to distribute £1.1 million in grants before March 2011.
If we can also raise £1.6 million in new endowment before March 2011 the Government will give us another £0.8 million!
Through this scheme, administered by Norfolk Community Foundation, all new donations however big or small will be doubled by the Treasury through matching of £1,000 for every £2,000 donated, and where eligible the gift aid can be matched too; companies and higher rate tax payers can then reclaim a minimum of 20% of their donation back through their tax return.
Also through this challenge a higher rate tax payer can establish a £25,000 named fund to support the issues and communities in Norfolk you care about most, for just £9,750.
 To see how this works in detail take a look at the "endowment challenge overview" under Grassroots on our website
To find our more contact NCF on 01603 623 958
Norfolk Community Foundation would like to thank its partners in the Grassroots programme, Voluntary Norfolk, Norfolk Rural Community Council and West Norfolk Voluntary and Community Action for their support in the delivery of this programme. |
| Norfolk 100 update |
To date more than £70,000 worth of grants have been awarded and we've added more than £84,000 to the endowment fund.
Below is a report about a visit Norfolk 100 members made in April to the Matthew Project, T2, in Norwich.
The project works with young people with dependency and addiction issues. The visitors were shown one of two DVD's produced by the T2 Young Peoples Steering Group over the last 12 months.
These DVDs focus on drug and alcohol issues in Norfolk. Both are designed to be educational tools and have been very well received in schools and other youth venues.
The T2 Manager Derek Hewis said "last year we applied to the Norfolk Community Foundation for a grant to help the young people involved in the T2 Steering Group to function. This money has enabled us to meet the young people in a positive way and give them something in return for all the hard work they have put in.
"Each young person gives up so much free time to help and the grant from Norfolk Community fund has helped not only with transport costs and food, but theatre trips, and a special day at 'Go Ape'.( Pictured).
"Thanks to you all from myself as the manager, and the T2 staff, but especially from the young people of Norfolk who have very much appreciated your generosity".
Who are the Norfolk 100? See our website for a full list. |
| Events coming up |
Norfolk 100 Annual Event at Birketts in Norwich on 6th July 2009
Norfolk Community Foundation Event featuring a philanthropic lecture at the John Innes Centre in Colney.
Invitations will be issued shortly.
| |
|
We'll be bringing you news of another project you've helped us to support plus any new developments in our next issue
Meantime if you have any comments or suggestions do let us know
You can contact us at
Sincerely,
Graham Tuttle
|
|
|
