The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation

One of 55 foundations who provide funds from endowments (made by the government, individuals and companies) to local groups that will make a genuine local difference. The foundations have a total of £140 million to give away.
Grants average £3,000, but can be much smaller or much larger. The Foundation will support all groups in the county, not necessarily registered charities. Grants will not be given to individuals.

The Hampshire Foundation presently has three funds running -

• Sports Relief with £60,000 to be given away.

• BAT (British American Tobacco are leaving a legacy as the Southampton factory closes down). This will have £750,000 to give away. The focus of this fund will be getting people back into work and helping them overcome barriers to doing so - e.g. needing training or lack of transport.

• The Family Trust has £1 million to be given away, and this will support youth/educational/heritage/community enhancement schemes (the last is designed to be a "catch all" for anything that encourages community spirit).

Grants will be advertised from July/August this year and given out before the end of 2007.

There will be even more money to donate next year and in future years.

www.hantscf.org.uk