Thanks to support from the Office of the Third Sector, community foundations and other organisations throughout England have £50 million to offer in match funding for donors wanting to encourage and fund the long term growth of local small charities and voluntary organisations – organisations which provide really effective support to people in need, such as friendship clubs for older people, support groups for people with disabilities and positive activities for young people. what have we been funding? Florence Avenue Allotment Society in Astley Bridge received £5000 to replace the boundary fence around the site. It will improve conditions for growers and aid the development of a community plot. Tonge Fold Residents Group will continue their chair based exercise classes for older people in the area after a grant of £1000. Those who attend enjoy the activity and chance to socialise Farnworth Boys Football Club will enable 10 volunteers to achieve their FA Level 1 certificate in coaching football. Sahara will use their £2000 grant to hold Diwali and Eid events for ladies with mental health difficulties. 77th Bolton St Andrews Guides received £1400 which will provide gardening and safety equipment to allow the girls to help out at Moses Gate Country Park. In Bolton the challenge is being led by The Big Bolton Fund, managed by Bolton Community and Voluntary Services. We are firmly rooted in the local community and have worked to support local organisations since 1990. We ensure that the grants that are made are relevant to local needs, with all kinds of additional benefits to tackle the issues that really make a difference to local deprivation. Any donations that are made, together with the match funding, are invested in special endowment funds and invested effectively for the long term benefit of Bolton people in need. Every year your gift will be part of a fund that contributes to helping local people and, in that sense, it is a gift that keeps on giving. Gifts of any size may be made, but if you give over £10,000 you can also be involved in specifying the kinds of issues and geographical areas where your gift may be used. Please contact us directly using the major donor enquiries button below.