Local Giving for local needs

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation is an independent charitable foundation, established in 2002 by local people to connect donors with the local causes and charities that they care about.

An exceptional record

In 2010 the Foundation awarded, on behalf of its Fund Holders, 504 grants totaling £1.0M. Grants of all sizes made a positive impact on the lives of over 200,000 individuals who have benefitted from the work of those charities and organisations who received awards. We support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our communities.

Our local community

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are often perceived as relatively wealthy with few social and economic problems; however poverty and disadvantage are often concealed by the close proximity of wealth.

The facts

Through our work we have gained an understanding of the challenges that face our local communities; 30% of households have a member with limiting long term illness-increasing the need for care and raising issues relating to social exclusion and transport; 23% of economically active people, aged 16-74, have no qualifications or their level is unknown - requiring the need for advice, counselling and training; One in six of the population is of retirement age or over - raising the need for support to tackle isolation, health and security issues; Latest local statistics show that across our region there are pockets of severe deprivation, amongst the worst 20% in the country.

We work with donors

We manage charitable funds on behalf of individuals, businesses, Government agencies and other trusts. We are here to make it easy for Fund Holders to donate money to local causes. Through our understanding of local issues we make sure their donations go where funds are really needed and will make a difference.

We work with local groups

We use our knowledge of the local voluntary sector to make grants to charities and voluntary groups on behalf of our Fund Holders. We focus on smaller groups, where small amounts of money make a lasting difference. Our grant making reaches many different and varied communities from our cities to our rural regions and includes support for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people living in deprived areas.

Recently supported

Groundwork Solent's "Mix Up" Youth Project, Lunch Club at The Kingsley Centre, Cowes Sailability, International Cookery Exchange, Hampshire Harriers Wheelchair Basketball Team, Thornhill Reducing Isolation Project, Oak Park Estate Residents Association and Basingstoke Young Carers.