Hampshire community organisations invited to apply for grant

Hampshire community organisations invited to apply for grant

Every year, Spectrum’s Community Forums, groups of Spectrum’s residents who are part of the governance structure and are appointed to guide the business and develop housing services in their respective local areas, search for worthy causes to donate to over the course of the year. The financial year is now starting for Spectrum, so it’s the perfect time to applying for a donation.

Charities, not-for-profit organisations, schools, social enterprises and community projects can all apply for a grant but must be located, or operate, in the areas where Spectrum Housing Group has homes and residents. Any grants must benefit those communities, at least in part, and the maximum donation is £3,000 per project. Organisations should call 0800 783 7837 or email contact@spectrumhousing.co.uk for full details on how to apply.

Over the course of the last year, various local causes in Hampshire have benefitted from Spectrum’s Community Forum Grant fund. Local highlights have included donations to Bransgore FC Under 9s team and Shirley Police.

£647 was given to Bransgore FC Under 9s team for new kit and equipment. The team have been playing for over three years and this is will provide the first new kit they’ve had in that time.

£200 was also gifted to Shirley Police for their Junior PCSO scheme at Oakwood Junior School. This scheme provides ‘street meets’ where students learn how to collect information from the general public and find out which areas of Lordshill they can improve. The money also supports ‘street clean ups’ and ‘natter and cake’ sessions with elderly residents of Lordshill, which teach young people to respect older members of the community.

Stuart Davies

Stuart Davies

Stuart Davies, Neighbourhood Services Director at Spectrum Housing Group said: “The part of our vision that says ‘Great Neighbourhoods’ is hugely important. One of the ways in which we demonstrate that commitment is through our five Community Forums, which are made up of our residents and a small number of independent members with a knowledge of the communities in which we work. Collectively, they allocate around £75,000 throughout the year to support important local causes in their neighbourhoods.

“Over the course of the last year, grants worth thousands of pounds have been given to help voluntary organisations and initiatives providing a service in Hampshire, Bournemouth, Dorset, Devon and the Isle of Wight.”

Sue Jackson, Spectrum resident and local Community Forum Chair, said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to re-invest in our local areas, so I’d urge any local worthy causes in the local area get in touch – we’d love to help you!”