Community Foundations have been in existence since 1914, when the first was established by Fredrick Goff, a trust banker in Cleveland, USA who created an endowment for the benefit of his community.

In the UK there are approx. 55 foundations offering the largest independent funding of community organisations in the UK – amounting to grants of around £70 million a year.

The concept applies worldwide – a local organisation, helping local people.

Cornwall Community Foundation is targeted to help all communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who suffer from isolation, deprivation and exclusion.

The region is sparsely populated for the geographic area so access to services can be restricted. Farming is still the mainstay of the economy and agriculture is the predominant land use. Only 31% of the population live in towns of over 10,000 inhabitants and 33% of households live in areas ranked within the 25 most deprived in England.

CCF can offer small effective grants to most not-for-profit organisations to help deliver their services and reduce isolation and deprivation. Almost all organisations and individuals can apply for funding and grants have been awarded for a vast variety of items and equipment ranging from minor building repairs, educational outings, transport and child care to the renovation of historical artefacts or help with the cost of uniforms for a choir.

There might be help with core costs such as rent and salaries Donations are primarily privately sourced from individuals and business who want to support the area they live in. By building an endowment CCF can invest in the future of the county and continue to give grants forever. Any size donation helps and there really is something for everyone and every donation counts.

Fund development Manager, Claire Thayers, explains:” We offer various schemes from £25 annual donations up to a named fund where the donor can determine what sorts of projects they wish to support; attend the grants panel meetings to decide on who receives a grant and visiting the beneficiaries. Until March 2011 we have the added incentive that any donation can be doubled for free by the government under the Grassroots Grants scheme so a £20 donation becomes £51.20 including gift aid; £10,000 becomes £25,600!

“To date We have awarded over £3m to 1,000 organisations and individuals. That’s £2,085 for every square mile of the county and approx. £6 for everyone living here. That’s a celebration and something we continue to build upon. So, if you want to give a donation or apply for grant funding please get in touch.

We are a local organisation, making a local difference.”

Cornwall Community Foundation is at Market Street, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8AU Tel: 01566 779333