Guildford Philanthropy not only provides meaningful grants to help launch and support local social enterprises and charities; we endeavour to provide time and expertise when required; and, if possible, introduce those in need to those that may be able to help. This was evidenced earlier this year when we helped the Matrix Trust in preparing its business plan to support a new social enterprise café initiative at its Allen House home in Guildford. Once the business plan was finalised they could then actively go out and seek grant financing and I am pleased to say that Guildford Philanthropy then approved a grant to support the project.
More information on the Matrix Trust can be found on www.matrixtrust.com.
More recently we have been helping the Big Leaf Foundation, a local charity which seeks to help displaced people newly arrived from overseas with no family nor belongings. Integrating such people is a delicate and complex process which Big leaf handle with the utmost of dedication and respect. They seek support for projects to help integrate the young people by providing language learning, work experience and training. They are looking to develop a Café Project to enable these young people to test their interest and abilities in a safe environment and gain experience that can be used in applications for work and further study. We at Guildford Philanthropy stand by to help them develop this project.
In addition Big Leaf Foundation have been involving their young people in the universal language of football; a way of bonding individuals and instil a feeling of belonging. Discussions have been on-going with Surrey FA and others to ascertain whether coaching sessions can be set up and booking out pitches. Guildford Philanthropy has helped in a modest way by sponsoring their shirts and looks to further support the development of this initiative.
More information on the Big Leaf Foundation can be found at www.bigleaffoundation.org.uk.
