Wiltshire and Swindon foundation reaches £30m grants milestone

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

The Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation has awarded more than £30 million in grants since it was founded in 1975. The funds have supported charities, community groups and individuals across the region over the past 51 years.

Last year alone, the foundation distributed more than £2.5 million through 367 grants. These supported 217 organisations and 150 individuals, benefiting more than 83,000 people across Wiltshire and Swindon. The foundation has significantly increased its grant-making in recent years.

The foundation's most recent grant-making milestone was reached during this year's University Bursary Programme, which awarded nearly £400,000 to support 71 young people from low-income backgrounds in accessing higher education.

Vicky Hickey, joint chief executive of the foundation, said: 'Passing £30 million in grant-making is a significant milestone for us, but what really matters is what that £30 million has made possible for people and communities across Wiltshire and Swindon.' She added that local people, businesses and partners have chosen to give through the foundation because they want to make a difference where they live.

The foundation was established by Lord Joel Joffe and Moyra James and was the first community foundation in Europe. Hickey said there is still more work to do, stating: 'The needs of our communities continue to change and we need people and organisations to continue giving alongside us so that we can respond to those needs, both now and in the years ahead.'

How it is being reported

• Wiltshire and Swindon foundation surpasses £30m in grantsA major milestone in community support and giving has been reachedGazette & Herald · 14 Oct, 05:00
• Wiltshire and Swindon foundation surpasses £30m in grantsA major milestone in community support and giving has been reachedSwindon Advertiser · 14 Oct, 05:00
• Wiltshire and Swindon foundation surpasses £30m in grantsA major milestone in community support and giving has been reachedThis Is Wiltshire · 14 Oct, 05:00
• Wiltshire and Swindon foundation surpasses £30m in grantsA major milestone in community support and giving has been reachedWiltshire Times · 14 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation · Vicky Hickey · Lord Joel Joffe · Moyra James · Wiltshire · Swindon

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