Charity Begins At Home
Hampshire Life|November 2019
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
Charity Begins At Home

“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.

Esta historia es de la edición November 2019 de Hampshire Life.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición November 2019 de Hampshire Life.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE HAMPSHIRE LIFEVer todo
Southampton's first Michelin star?
Hampshire Life

Southampton's first Michelin star?

Newly opened southeast Asian restaurant, Blue Jasmine, could have all the right ingredients to claim the coveted title

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2020
This GIRL CAN
Hampshire Life

This GIRL CAN

Tracy Edwards MBE paved the way for women in sport with her boat Maiden. Now, 30 years on, she’s showing women around the world that they can do something amazing too

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2020
The good ship LIBERTY
Hampshire Life

The good ship LIBERTY

A call out on Instagram saw this Overton artist being included in the iconic Liberty Book

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2020
For KING & country
Hampshire Life

For KING & country

Can someone be born into greatness? We share the story of one of Britain’s most underrated monarchs, Henry III

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2020
Doing it for THEMSELVES
Hampshire Life

Doing it for THEMSELVES

Multi-tasking sisters Iman and Yasmine El Sheik have just launched their new haircare brand Divinely Made, set to transform curly locks across the country

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2020
The Bear Ladies
Hampshire Life

The Bear Ladies

Julie Tatchel and Amanda Middleditch from Bear It In Mind in Hythe regularly have viewers in tears with their bear restorations on the BBC hit show, The Repair Shop

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2020
A walk in Wonderland
Hampshire Life

A walk in Wonderland

A New Forest walk in the footsteps of Alice Hargreaves, the inspiration behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2020
Creature comfort
Hampshire Life

Creature comfort

From growing up with Hampshire racehorses to caring for dogs and cats at home, Clare Balding’s love of animals has seen her through good times and bad

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2020
A rare find
Hampshire Life

A rare find

Hampshire’s diverse habitats attract all of Britain’s six native species of reptiles

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2020
A friend in need
Hampshire Life

A friend in need

Margot has met a kindred spirit to share her renovation horror stories

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2020