Speaker Meeting (Zoom) 6pm

The Wiltshire Community Foundation is an independent charity set up to tackle disadvantage and strengthen local communities by inspiring philanthropy and supporting the voluntary sector. Its mission is to maximise the impact of charitable activity by connecting people, information and resources. It provides a simplified approach to effective charitable giving, helping people who are passionate about supporting their local community give where it is most needed and where it will make the most impact.

Wiltshire Community Foundation has the expertise and local knowledge to help individuals, families, businesses and charitable trusts invest in their communities and in causes that are important to them. It manages over 150 funds on behalf of its donors and since 1975 has awarded over £17m in grants to individuals, charities and community groups across the county. It is the largest grant-giving organisation in Wiltshire and Swindon, awarding over £1m every year through hundreds of grants to enable more local people to thrive.

The grants to grassroots voluntary and community groups ensure funding is targeted where it is needed most, tackling the most pressing local issues and building stronger communities. Through the individual grants programme the Foundation gives grants to young people to help improve their development, education and future employment. It also provides a range of events, training workshops and advice sessions for the voluntary and community sector helping to build skills, capacity, knowledge and networks.

In his 2019/20 annual report, Chairman of the Trustees, Ashley Truluck CB, CBE, wrote:

"In 2019/20 we awarded £1,279k in grants and secured £688k in flow through funding – our greatest annual outputs ever. In 2019/20 for every £1 we spent on fundraising activities we raised £9.66. And for every £1 spent on grant-making we were able to award £9.43 of grants and support. Significantly, the latter does not include the monetary value of the community services we deliver (e.g. our professional advice, workshops, and research documents). Taking this into account, we estimate our running costs represent no more than 17% of the full value of benefits delivered.

This was only possible because of the amazing generosity of our donors and the hard work and dedication of the charity and voluntary groups who run the services and projects we fund. We want to thank them for sharing our passion for supporting our local communities and helping more people to thrive."

Our Fund Statement for the year ending 31st March 2021

During questions Fiona pointed out that the Rotary Club of Swindon North’s Wiltshire Community Foundation Fund is an Endowment Fund meaning that the capital sum of £22,500 is protected and cannot be used for grants. Grants from it are made from any investment earnings and members noted that somewhat less than half of earnings have actually been paid out. For better understanding of the matter it will be discussed at a Club business meeting in the coming weeks.

More information