Norfolk
Community
Foundation
Helping you to make Norfolk a better place
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2011 is going to present real challenges to the voluntary and community sector. Government funding cuts are starting to bite and as ever, the demand for services and support continues to grow.
Here at the Foundation, plans are already taking shape for a number of new initiatives designed to help. For example we've been talking with colleagues at Voluntary Norfolk about how we can blend our services so that advice, grants, volunteers and loans can be more easily accessed. We'll also be building our capacity to offer loans as well as grants. This will particularly enable us to help social enterprises emerge from across the sector.
Jane Jones, our Development Officer and I are excited by the way the Foundation is increasingly able to meet changing donor needs. We recognise that few simply want to make a donation and walk away. More and more, people want us to help them invest their money in local projects they can relate to and perhaps become involved with.
Every donor relationship is different because every donor is different. We are evolving as an organisation to meet those needs, but never lose sight of our core mission, to build a significant endowment so that grant-making can continue long into the future.
If you'd like to meet with me I'd be delighted to tell you more, or please feel free to just pick up the phone.
Graham Tuttle
Director
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| Exciting new fundraising concept comes to Norfolk! |
We're thrilled to announce that an exciting new Dragon's Den style event is coming to Norfolk.We're organising it with Norfolk members of The Funding Network which runs similar events elsewhere in the UK. Feedback from these events shows that the evenings are really good fun and of course they also raise much needed funding for good causes.
If you work with a community or voluntary organisation in Norfolk it's a great new opportunity for you to raise significant funding for your project. It's also a chance to spread the word about the good work your organisation does and how it benefits others - this is definitely an opportunity not to be missed!
Groups are encouraged to apply now and five will be selected to present their 'pitch' to an audience of invited guests and potential donors. The audience donates by pledging to the organisations which impress them the most. The aim is for each group to hit a target of up to £5,000 although this will depend on how their presentation is received.
Donations are expected to start at £100, and potential donors wishing to give to a Norfolk charity and are keen to find out more are welcome to contact us to reserve a seat at the event, which takes place on the evening of 19th May at Dragon Hall in Norwich.
I joined TFN because this is one of the most stimulating, engaging and downright fun ways to give that I've come across. When a really great project is presented, the sense of excitement that sweeps the room is palpable. It's hard not to get carried away by such infectious enthusiasm - and when the cause is this worthy, why not?
Mark Cheng, TFN Member
For groups, the deadline for applications is 28th February, so you need to apply now - click here for further details of how to do that.
To book your free seat on the night as a donor Please call 01603 623958 or email info@norfolkfoundation.com
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| Good news for the over 60's |
As part of the Government's ambition to build a Big Society, funding is available under the Active at 60 initiative for projects which build on existing community provision to help older people stay active, healthy and independent.
The grants range from £250 - £3000 and ideas can include funding new equipment, introducing new classes or taster sessions, befriending activities, providing opportunities to volunteer, trying something new or visiting new places.
The first round of funding has helped set up Knit and Natter groups in Norfolk, taster sessions for exercises and alternative therapies, equipment for computer training, and a community choir to encourage more over 60's by offering them a year's free membership.
If you've got an idea which might benefit this age group please feel free to give Jenny Bevan a call on 01603 623958 or email her at grants@norfolkfoundation.com. She'll be happy to explain more and help you through the process. The application deadline is 1st March so why not do it now?
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| Localgiving.com - don't miss out! |
Some of you may already know about the Localgiving.com initiative which the Foundation is leading in Norfolk. It's an online portal which helps groups boost their profile and receive public donations easily. We already have many groups on board but there's no reason why it can't benefit lots more when it launches in March.
If you'd like to find out how it can benefit your organisation we are holding a free introductory briefing event on Tuesday 15th February from 2-5pm in Norwich to explain everything and help you through the process of getting listed through us.
Places are limited so if you'd like to join us please call Jane Jones now on 01603 623958 or email JaneJones@norfolkfoundation.com
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| Grants news | |
Finally we'd like to congratulate all those who were awarded grant funding through us in January. Here's a snapshot:
- Wicklewood Village Cinema were awarded a grant of £4,000 to fund cinema equipment for a regular village film service.
- Weston Longville Village Hall are set to receive £2,000 towards equipment for a new play area.
- Taverham Parish Council were granted £5,000 to help them develop an underused ball court into a skateboarding and BMX facility for young people.
- Elderly people in the Holt area were helped through the Holt and District Day Centre which will receive £2,000 to help with the transport costs of bringing visitors in from outlying areas.
- EP Youth works with young people and their families in and around Fakenham. The group were granted £4,160 to support 'Me Time' for girls aged 11-18 to help them explore health and lifestyle issues in a supported environment.
- ASD Helping Hands secured £1,000 towards setting up support groups in Thetford and Aylsham for families affected by Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
- The Hub Community Project in Wymondham supports parents and toddlers up to the age of 3. It has been awarded £2,000 to support running costs and purchase new play equipment. The project includes a regular Saturday session for Dads and children.
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If you've found this interesting, please pass it on and help us help Norfolk even more. If you have any queries about the Foundation or would simply like to find out more please visit the website here, email us at info@norfolkfoundation.com or just give us a call on 01603 623958.
Sincerely, 
Graham Tuttle
Norfolk Community Foundation
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| Top photo credit: Ryan Watts Photography
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