Charity Begins At Home

Those needing a helping hand often rely on small local charities. Enabling them to get vital funds is the Basingstoke-based Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation

- Viv Micklefield

“It’s sometimes a difficult discussion to have. People’s perceptions can be that everything is fine. That this is an affluent county. But, in some areas, we’re on a par with some of the highest levels of deprivation found anywhere in the country.”

As someone with more than 30 years’ experience of working in the charitable sector, Grant Cornwell MBE, chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, doesn’t mince his words.

“Who’d have thought food banks would have become mainstream? There are serious issues faced by some of the youngest in our communities. And older people, who perhaps don’t speak to anyone all week. So, for us, it’s about looking at who we can work with to really make a difference.”

With their mantra being ‘local giving for local needs’, this Community Foundation was set up 12 years ago and is one of 46 UK-wide helping both individuals and businesses to give to those causes that matter to them.

As Grant explains, it’s an idea that began in the USA during the early 1900s and Silicon Valley alone now distributes a whopping £900m annually. While the Hampshire and Isle of Wight pot is considerably smaller, by managing investments on behalf of their donors, £1.2m in charitable grants was up for grabs last year. Meaning those working tirelessly with the disadvantaged and vulnerable can continue their great work.

“Our focus is on the smaller charities, which are often volunteer-led and don’t have the manpower to publicize what they do, and where even £500 can make a big difference.

“We’ll send out email alerts to let them know that there are going to be funds available. Also, our grants team will contact specific organizations if the grants are targeted towards issues around, for example, young women or, perhaps, the homeless.