Videos

Site was last updated: Thursday 17th May 2012

Break Out the Champagne!

Date added: Saturday 30th April 2011
Latest updated: Wednesday 11th April 2012

We are absolutely delighted to tell you that we, together with you, have achieved what at times has seemed like an impossible challenge! The Grassroots Challenge is over as of the 31st March 2011. Just to remind you, we have spent the last three years trying to do two things:

1. Distribute over £1,400,000 in grants to small, community based groups across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

2. Raise donations of £1,250,000 locally to be matched by £1,250,000 of government funds to create an endowment fund which will give grants to groups in Devon forever.

What happened?

Well, we have received and assessed over 1000 applications for funding and we have distributed the full amount of £1.46m to incredible groups, manned by unsung heroes who do astonishing work across the county making Devon a better place to be for everyone.

We have been moved, amused, startled and constantly impressed by the wealth of ideas and dedication we have seen. These groups have used the grants we have given them to directly benefit a staggering 895,165 people in Devon including (to name just a few)

• children getting new play equipment
• vulnerable people finding work
• carers young and old offered support, friendship and respite
• young people given the opportunities to try new things and expand their horizons
• thousands of people trying new sports and outdoor activities
• people with disabilities managing independent living and forming groups and social clubs
• families living in poverty or in crisis getting practical help
• adults and children experiencing the joy of growing food and eating healthily
• older people getting company and friendship and mastering the internet
• Devon people getting together for fun days or celebrations of their communities
• more brownies and scouts than we can possibly count

A massive success. We hope you agree.

But then we had the £1.25m to find in Devon and, amazingly, you have done that as well (plus a bit more) because the people here are incredibly generous and really care about offering a helping hand to others. This has created a fund of over £3,000,000 in 2 and half years so we will all go on giving, together, forever.

We only have one thing to say ............

THANK YOU DEVON PEOPLE!

 

Quality Accredited by Community Foundation Network to standards endorsed by the Charity Commission