Berkshire Community Foundation - Berkshire Community Foundation Spring Grants Reception

The Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) hosted a Spring Grants Reception at Newbury Racecourse on 17 May. The event celebrated the £439,583 awarded, through grants, to 173 groups and 16 individuals in Berkshire since November last year.

Over 150 people attended this inspiring evening, which showcased just some of the recipients’ worthy causes that are making a real difference to our community. Guests included the High Sheriff and local mayors.

Attendees were treated to a moving musical performance by Time Spanner Projects, whose European Social Fund (ESF) Global Grant has helped the group fund an education programme, gain three more permanent members and learn media skills that can help them in the workplace. ESF Global Grants provide help for people who feel disadvantaged in the labour market. The Grants fund training, education and help the individual’s growth – all vital steps towards employment.

Grants awarded by BCF include the BCF Partner and Strategic Grants and Give a Child a Chance Grants. Recipients of just some of the grants explained at the evening reception how the funds have been used, including:

West Berkshire Mencap: the provision of half-day food shopping and preparation training sessions, which have proved extremely popular and valuable.

Dingley Family Play Therapy: the grant has provided free transport for children whose families cannot afford it.

St George’s Community Centre: the grant meant that the Centre could upgrade its kitchen facilities, making it a useful, core part of the community.

CTIC Youth Family Initiative: the grants, totalling £12,000 over two years, have enabled the group to work with over 300 families in Caversham. Although Caversham is often considered to be an affluent area it does, in fact, have some of the worse areas of income deprivation in the county. The CTIC is working with children and young people most affected, whose cycles of deprivation lead to cycles of criminality. Young people that are in and out of custody are helped to become part of the community and are shown trust and support.

Comments about BCF and the event included:

“A perfect way of channelling our community budget to the right people every time”

“Anything is possible when you feel passionately about it – that was apparent from everyone. Many thanks. An inspirational evening with inspiring people”

“An inspiring and uplifting evening – so much being achieved on so little in this county”

For more information please contact The Berkshire Community Foundation by telephone: 0118 930 30 21 or visit: www.berksfoundation.org.uk

By Sarah Wilson, Penguin Army

Related stories:
	St James raise funds for Berkshire Community Foundation
	Dragon Boat Racing for Charity - Local Businesses Needed