Charity calls for donations to help secure Government cash (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Charity calls for donations to help secure Government cash

8:10am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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A HAMPSHIRE trust is calling for donations to stop a six-figure sum being snaffled by Government.

The Hampshire and isle of Wight Community Foundation says it is racing against the clock to stop thousands of pounds returning to central government on March 31.

An estimated £350,000 of Government money could go back to Whitehall if it is not matched by donations.

So the foundation is appealing to businesses and individuals from across Hampshire to donate, so that this can be used to access the match fund as part of the Grassroots Endowment Fund.

TV personality Alan Titchmarsh, ambassador for the foundation said: “Every pound donated is matched by the government and it would be a great pity if we were not able to double whatever’s raised for the help and support of people in our communities. The deadline of March 31 is looming fast and our target is £350,000.”

Toni Shaw, chief executive of the foundation, said the grants can make a real difference to the quality of local people’s lives.

The foundation is an independent charitable trust that manages giving on behalf of individuals, businesses and other trusts. It distributes small grants to voluntary and community groups and organisations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

To donate, visit www.hantscf.org.uk or send a cheque, payable to HIWCF, to Sun Alliance House, Wote Street, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 1LU.