Hello
We’ve raised £1 million!
Since Guildford Philanthropy was launched in 2014 we have generated over £1m to help those most in need across our local community.
A massive thank to everyone who helped us reach this amazing milestone. It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone who donated, our Corporate Ambassadors, Guildford Borough Council for match funding 50% of all donations and our partners.
We are so proud of all the work we have done together to help those less fortunate in our communities. The grants that we have given out have gone towards helping local less advantaged people and its thanks to the support and generosity of so many people.
As an example, last year we gave the Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership a grant to support local people with training and jobs. Each year they help people to gain new skills, qualifications and employment. In the first year our grant helped 28 people find a permanent job role, with since then a further 40 people have been offered support. These placements will help to improve their health and wellbeing and develop new skills and interests, and have also saved £500,000 a year in benefits.
We also helped fund the Matrix Trust’s enterprise café, The Hideaway, which opened in May this year in the beautiful Allen House Pavilion. Located in the heart of Guildford, the pavilion is the perfect place to catch up with friends and enjoy tea, coffee and of course a slice of cake; whilst providing apprentice and other work experience to local young people. This Matrix Trust provide a lifeline for vulnerable young people across the borough. You can find out more on their website.
Our grant to the Big Leaf Foundation’s Equine Therapy Project helped to improve the mental health of a number of their volunteers. One young man in particular, who was struggling, rediscovered his love for horses and was offered voluntary work experience at weekends. The Big Leaf Foundation aim to provide a nurturing programme of activities, projects and events, that focus on combating social isolation and displaced young people in Surrey.
In other news, we had a great time at the Guildford Jazz Festival and raised over £5,500. The event was held in Guildford Castle grounds in September. Popular jazz supergroup Picante got everyone dancing with their music which is inspired by Buena Vista Social Club and the Gipsy Kings.
We are always looking for new Corporate Ambassadors. If you are a local business, I would love to invite you on board. Find out more on becoming a Guildford Philanthropy Corporate Ambassador here.
You can stay up to date with all of our work by following us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
