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. To benefit from the match funding, all donations flow through “local funders”, over 90% of which are community foundations like us. We are firmly rooted in the local community and experts in supporting local organisations. 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. Who are we helping? St Helens Music Network – Awarded £4,500 St Helens Music Network provides an up-to-date database where members can find music teachers, venues, technical advisers and other music services. The aim of the group is to consolidate existing networks and enhance the musical infrastructure of St Helens through increased communication and cooperation. Sefton Short Films Festival – Awarded £5,000 Since the Sefton Short Films Festival began in 2005, it has expanded from two to three days of perfomances to five days, as planned for 2009. This is to accommodate the huge number of filmmakers who come from all over the UK to the Southport Arts Centre for the chance to see their work on the big screen. In 2008, the festival showed over 100 films! As part of their commitment to local film makers, they have run a training course for 11 local residents to learn film production techniques and aquire an NVQ Video L1. They are currently working with adults aged 18-60 who all have an interest in film making. 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 Merseyside 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.