Our July grant awards

In July 2011 £18,955 was awarded to 11 community groups across the county by local grant giving charity Northamptonshire Community Foundation – to projects including an art initiative, a dance group and a large community event.

The Foundation, which supports groups and people most in need in the county, distributes grants from its own pot and on behalf of local funders including the Constance Travis Trust, Northamptonshire County Council, Vulnerable Families Fund and Comic Relief.

Chief Executive of the Foundation, Victoria Miles, said: “It is great to support these local groups during the summer and urge everyone to support our Child Poverty Appeal.”

Here are the groups who were awarded money in the Foundation’s July Grants panel meeting which met on July 29th:

• Back to Books, based in Corby (£2,000 from Constance Travis Trust) – to stage a series of large scale drawing events that tie in with the government’s nationally acclaimed ‘Big Draw’ initiative. Treasurer, Maureen Walvin, said: “Participants will use a variety of styles and techniques that will ultimately lead to an exhibition in October 2011 at the Corby Cube- letting people show off their masterpieces!”

• CAN Young People’s Team, based in Northampton (£2,000 from Vulnerable Families Fund) – to create an innovative youth steering group and mentoring programme. Drug and Alcohol worker, Zoe Church, said: “This project will remove any barriers to access to all young people in the county regardless of their backgrounds or current circumstances.”

• Friends of Matthew’s Academy, based in Corby (£1,500 from Constance Travis Trust) – to purchase new roll out flooring that will not become damaged by Irish Dance. Committee Member, Donald Haughton, said: “Currently it is difficult for the dancers to practice their routines due to possible damage to the wooden dance floor. This grant will make a huge difference to us.”

• Integrated Cancer Therapies, based in Market Harborough (£2,000 from Constance Travis Trust) – to continue providing weekly relaxation and exercise classes for those affected by cancer. Fundraiser, Debbie Bromley, said: “Present clients state that they have benefited greatly from the relaxation class and this grant will allow us to continue to offer it.”

• Kettering Volleyball Club (£2,000 from Comic Relief) – to cover costs of pilot project to improve access to books for blind and partially sighted people. Secretary, Marion Marriott, said: “We will use this grant to purchase a better range of audio books, as well as ‘talking labels’ for books which will give those with sight problems better access to the library.”

• New Ark Foundation, based in Northampton (£2,000 from Vulnerable Families Fund) – to support nine months of office rental to continue developing the organisation. Executive Manager, Yemi Olowoyo, said: “This grant will mean we can rent a bigger office as well as offer 1-2-1 sessions for our vulnerable clients and families.”

• Northampton Lesbian Line (£885 from Northamptonshire County Council Small Grants) – to purchase disco equipment. Chair, Jeanette Ross, said: “This equipment will allow us to run events that raise enough funding to ensure our organisation is self sustainable.”

• St. James Residents Association (£570 from Northamptonshire County Council Small Grants) – to pay for room hire. Secretary, Graham Croucher, said: “Our award will mean we can continue renting a room for meetings and building on successful campaigns such as saving St. James Library!”

• Thrapston Cricket Club (£2,000 from Comic Relief) – to purchase security fencing to protect a hard earned new net facility. Secretary, Joanne Thurbon, said: “Our club has raised over £40,000 for new netting and the fencing will protect it from damage or vandalism.”

• Umbrella Fair (£2,000 from Comic Relief) – to support the festival. Treasurer, Ian Bates, said: “The support from the Foundation for our first ever two day event will make a big difference to our fantastic local celebration.”

• Wellingborough Inter Faith Group (£2,000 from Northamptonshire County Council Small Grants) – to continue to arrange monthly inter faith meetings, open to members and non members alike. Chair, Cynthia Bailey, said: “This grant will help our group do vital work to promote understanding and tolerance in our community.”



To apply for a grant, donate or to find out more about Northamptonshire Community Foundation please log on to www.ncf.uk.com or call on 01604 230033.

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