Foundation Announces New Chief Executive

6th July 2017

Laura Thurlow

The Community Foundation for Surrey is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Thurlow to the role of Chief Executive. Laura begins her new role with immediate effect and will focus on further developing the Community Foundation and building long-term funding to provide support for local communities both now and in the future.

The Foundation’s founding Executive Director, Wendy Varcoe MBE, left in May of this year having established the charity in 2005. Since then, Laura has been acting as Interim Chief Executive of the Foundation, which works with local people and businesses that want to make an impact by connecting them with local causes.

Prior to her role as Interim Chief Executive, Laura was Deputy Director at the Foundation for five years, having been promoted in 2012. She first joined the Foundation in September 2008 as Programme Manager of a grants programme to support small, local groups in Surrey.

Speaking about her recent appointment Laura said,

“During my time at the Foundation, I have seen the real impact which philanthropy can make in supporting local communities. I am delighted to become Chief Executive of such a fantastic organisation, and look forward to building on our work to date and making even more of a difference across Surrey.”

David Frank, Chairman, said

“The Board is very pleased to appoint Laura as Chief Executive. She is a passionate and effective ambassador with innovative plans for this exciting new chapter for the Foundation. The Board of Trustees is confident that Laura’s leadership and proactive approach will result in the continued growth of the Foundation enabling it to continue to address the extensive needs of our local communities.”

In 2016, the Foundation distributed over £1.1 million in grant awards to local charities, community groups and other voluntary organisations. It recently published updated research, “Surrey Uncovered”, that shows the extent of deprivation and other social issues across Surrey. By connecting its donors with local causes, the Foundation aims to address this need.

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Making philanthropy a part of corporate culture

21st June 2017

Tom Higgins, CEO Gold-i - Making philanthropy a part of corporate culture

Originally from Guildford, Tom Higgins returned to the area with his family following a number of years in London. In 2008, he started Gold-i, a now leading technology company based on the Surrey Research Park. Not long after forming Gold-i, Tom decided that the company should give to charity. Initially this was done on an ad-hoc basis.

“As Gold-i grew, our charitable efforts became too random. Charitable giving wasn’t our expertise and we decided that the time had come to engage an organisation with huge experience and an excellent reputation. Working with the Foundation allowed us to develop a clear theme to our giving that echoed the business; we now support groups that are attempting to do something innovative. Gold-i won The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2014 so it is key to us. The local angle was important to us as I have always considered Gold-i a local company and attempted to recruit from within the area.”

“By working with the Foundation, we have relieved the administrative pressures of our giving and ensured the best outcome for local charities. We had some pre-conceived ideas about what we might give to but the Foundation has presented us with innovative projects that we would never have known about without their input.”

“I feel passionately that our culture and values as a company have improved since the inception of the Gold-i Innovation Fund. It’s important that it’s not just me choosing who we support, but that employees from across the company have equal input and get to share in the joy of giving. We’ve gone on to build lasting relationships with some of these charities.”

How this local business is changing lives

I was really glad to make a grant to Disability Challengers, they do fantastic work. No council service could replicate the service that they offer to the families of disabled children. We were so impressed with how strong-minded they were and their dynamics made us feel completely at home. One of our employees, Arun Lakhani, was so moved by their work that he now volunteers with them.

Surrey Uncovered shows shocking need across the county

13th June 2017

Surrey Uncovered

Following on from its 2013 publication, “Surrey Uncovered”, the Community Foundation for Surrey recently launched updated research. The updated research highlights how key needs such as mental health, poverty, homelessness and domestic abuse continue to affect the county.

Statistics included in Surrey Uncovered are shocking and many people will be surprised that they relate to Surrey. These include that:

  • An estimated 24,000 girls and women aged 16-59 in the county have been the victim of domestic abuse
  • 10% of children in the county live in poverty, of which two thirds live in working households
  • There are an estimated 14,000 young carers and over 30,000 carers over 65

Local voluntary groups’ ability to raise funds from national organisations to support those in need is often affected by the county’s perceived affluence. The Community Foundation for Surrey works with local people and businesses that want to make an impact by connecting them with local causes. Many of its donors choose to invest their money and gift the interest to charities and voluntary groups across the county. This results in significant long-term funding that will support communities both now and in the future.

How the Foundation is making a difference

In addition to reporting on local need, Surrey Uncovered also shows how the Foundation’s donors are tackling these problems.

Elmbridge Rentstart supports people who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness and its work has been supported by several grants from the Foundation, including from a fund set up by the family of Dora Fedoruk. During Dora’s life in Surrey, she embraced those in hardship with her generosity. This included opening her house to the local community. Her legacy now continues that work through the Foundation. In 2016/17, Elmbridge Rentstart supported 421 local people who were facing homelessness; they have advice to 82 people which prevented them from becoming homeless and they housed 102 people and provided them with continued support. Support from the Foundation has enabled Elmbridge Rentstart to expand into a new area. Most recently, they have been able to support an estimated 25% further clients.

The Foundation believes that the real hardship that exists requires more local giving. Laura Thurlow, Interim Chief Executive of the Foundation said:

“People often can’t believe that need on this level exists in Surrey. It was disappointing to discover that in some areas, the situation is even worse than in 2013. We work with many individuals who are passionate about making Surrey a better place for everyone to live in. We hope that this research will inspire more people to make a difference to their local community and be part of the solution.”

A copy of Surrey Uncovered can be downloaded here. If you would like to learn more about how to support your local community, contact the Foundation on 01483 478092.

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A Stroke of Genius at The Therapy Garden

2nd June 2017

A stroke of genius at Normandy Therapy Garden

A grant of £3,800 has supported The Therapy Garden in Normandy in offering a therapeutic horticulture course to 12 local stroke survivors. The group took part in a range of gardening activities such as growing, harvesting and maintaining the gardens. They enjoyed activities at their own pace, in a peaceful and supportive environment supported by volunteers and experienced horticulturists.

A Stroke of Genius

The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. The ‘Stroke of Genius’ project offers social and therapeutic horticulture to a group of stroke survivors and their carers. It provides stroke survivors with gentle exercise and physical activity whilst they learn about gardening. Stroke sufferers are prone to becoming isolated while they are recovering. This project offers an opportunity to socialise and connect with new people, whilst being inclusive of carers.

It had previously partnered with the Stroke Association to run a taster course for eight stroke survivors. When the pilot ended, the group expressed a desire to return. The grant enabled the course to run for a further six weeks and to expand the number of attendees. Volunteers enjoyed seeing the group return, building relationships with the group and seeing how they progressed during the course.

A Stroke Association support worker encouraged Nicholas* to attend Therapy Garden. Nicholas has always been a keen gardener and explained “It’s nice to get back into gardening and now I’m encouraged to do more in my own garden.”

Referrals to The Therapy Garden are made by local coordinators of national charities such as the Stroke Association. Alternatively a GP can refer you, or it is possible to self-refer. To find out more about The Therapy Garden, the services they offer and how to get involved, please see their website.


*Name changed

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PCC partners with Foundation to encourage youth social action

31st May 2017

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The Community Foundation for Surrey are thrilled to be developing a fund to encourage and inspire young people in the county to become more actively engaged with their community, in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (‘PCC’).

The Youth Social Action Fund is offering grants of up to £5,000 to groups working with young people between the ages of 10 and 20 years old (or 25 for young people with disabilities) in Surrey. It covers targeted programmes of activities such as campaigning, fundraising and volunteering, all of which enable participants to make a positive difference to their communities.

The PCC will be matching funds distributed in Surrey by the Community Foundation on behalf of Big Lottery Fund and the Office for Civil Society. £2 million is being invested across England to fund groups delivering local youth social action opportunities.

David Munro, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey said

“I am delighted to see Surrey receive national funding to further this important cause. I hope these opportunities will equip those young people taking part with vital skills whilst reducing anti-social behaviour, exclusion and disadvantage. Encouraging young people to become more engaged with their communities has the potential to significantly benefit local people and places.”

Kate Peters, Grants Manager of the Community Foundation for Surrey, said

“We are delighted that the PCC is supporting the Foundation, allowing us to award twice as much money across the county. Projects who have already benefited from this Fund have shown great promise and we are looking forward to seeing what this next round of applications brings.”

Previous grants from the Fund include an award to Leatherhead Youth Project to establish a monthly youth council creating a positive connection between young people and their community, and a grant to Woking United Reformed Church to support a project for young people as they prepare home cooked, healthy meals which they will then deliver to lonely, elderly or needy people in the community.

All applications to the Fund should be made by Friday 7th July. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application during August so that successful programmes can start in September.

Carers in Guildford Supported by New Fund

18th May 2017

Carers in Guildford are being supported by a new fund

The Community Foundation for Surrey is pleased to announce a new fund that will provide support to carers within the borough of Guildford, thanks to a partnership with Carers Support (Guildford) and Guildford Borough Council.

Carers Support (Guildford) has provided support to carers living within the borough for the past 19 years. Sadly, the charity is closing following the granting of a significant contract it held to a Surrey-wide organisation. This has left the charity with some generous donations for use specifically for the well being of carers. The charity has donated £55,000 to Guildford Philanthropy in order to maintain on-going support to those who provide care to some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents. Guildford Philanthropy is a collaborative partnership set up in 2013 between Guildford Borough Council and the Community Foundation for Surrey.

Carers in Guildford supported by Guildford Borough Council

Guildford Borough Council has matched the donation at a rate of 50%, creating a ring-fenced fund of £82,500. The fund will offer small grants to provide relief to carers throughout the borough.

£5,000 is available immediately for grants to carers over the next year, with the remainder being transferred to the Guildford Philanthropy endowment fund. This will allow the Fund to continue supporting carers in perpetuity.

Cllr Paul Spooner, Council Leader said:

“We are delighted that we have been able to support Carers Support (Guildford) in its efforts to continue to provide support to carers. Although this change extends the aims of Guildford Philanthropy, we will maintain a strong focus on building the endowment fund to meet its original purpose. This change however provides another opportunity for Guildford Philanthropy to help support some of our most vulnerable residents. We believe that this collaborative approach between everyone involved provides the most effective way of supporting the borough’s carers. Guildford Borough Council’s 50% match-funding will be met from within existing budget provision.”

Continuing work

Kate Peters, Grants Manager of the Community Foundation for Surrey said:

“We are glad to see Guildford Philanthropy develop in this way. It is very sad when a charity needs to close but the Community Foundation for Surrey has been able to help Carers Support (Guildford) continue their work through a lasting legacy.”

David Perry, Chair of Trustees of Carers Support (Guildford), said:

“We looked carefully at our options to ensure that donations continued to be used for their original purpose. We are delighted that Guildford Philanthropy have agreed to widen its aims to allow support to the borough’s carers to continue, and to work with the Community Foundation for Surrey.”

How to Apply

Applications to the fund must be through an organisation that is providing support and can vouch for the need. Further details on the Fund’s criteria and how to apply for a grant can be found here.

Launch of David Tyson Memorial Fund

20th March 2017

David Tyson (1948 – 2015) was a highly respected Permanent Way Engineer and was considered one of the best in the business, influencing major railway projects and inspiring many. The David Tyson Memorial Fund has been established in his memory and will provide financial support to enable young people to develop their skills and pursue a career within the engineering/ rail engineering field.

The Fund will support budding young rail engineers with grants that will cover the following costs:

 

  • Course fees;
  • Accreditation;
  • Resources such as books or additional computer software;
  • Travel to courses and training sites;
  • Equipment, materials or tools to enable young people to take up training; and
  • Work-based training costs.

The process for young individuals to make applications to The David Tyson Memorial Fund is currently being co-ordinated, with further details to follow in due course.

More about David’s inspiring life and career can be read about on the Fund page. If you would like to contribute to David’s legacy then please see the Fund’s BTMyDonate page. BTMyDonate is a simple and secure online giving platform that allows you to make an immediate online payment.

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HRH The Earl of Wessex visits Community Foundation for Surrey

23rd February 2017

Earl of Wessex visits CFSurrey

On 23rd February 2017, HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO visited the Community Foundation for Surrey and local charity, Leatherhead Youth Project. This was an opportunity for The Earl to hear more about the important work undertaken by both organisations. Leatherhead Youth Project (LYP) hosted the event at All Saints Church in Leatherhead, which the group transformed into their state of the art youth facility in 2005. The Community Foundation hosted His Royal Highness during a previous visit made to coincide with its 5-year anniversary in 2011.

On this special visit, HRH met staff, trustees, donors and groups supported by the Community Foundation for Surrey. By working with donors who want to give back to their local communities, the Community Foundation awards grants to disadvantaged individuals and voluntary groups that provide vital services for people in need. Thanks to the generous and continuing support of their donors, the total figure awarded in grants across Surrey has increased each year with over £1 million being distributed to local communities in 2015/6 alone.

The Earl then met young people and staff associated with Leatherhead Youth Project. This included young people who attend the BFree after school drop-in project, a hub that is open every day for young people aged 11-17. It also included those who benefit from One to One counselling provided by LYP. During his visit, The Earl was served by the Allsaints Coffee Shop team, a group of young apprentices who run the LYP on-site social enterprise enterprise and was taught how to make a cappuccino by Matt Fleming, manager of Allsaints Coffee Shop. Before departing, HRH unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the visit.

The two charities have partnered together for over 10 years, having both formed in 2005. During this time, the Community Foundation has made various strategic grants to support the growth of LYP. This includes supporting the launch of AllSaints Coffee Shop, in 2014.

Joe Crome, General Manager of Leatherhead Youth Project commented:

“We were delighted to host The Earl of Wessex and to share this special event for both organisations. This visit was very special for our young people, and something they will always remember. It has been a chance for them to share what they have gained from their involvement with our youth work programmes and celebrate the personal progress they have made with LYP. It was also a fantastic occasion for our staff and volunteers who very much deserve the recognition they receive for the work they do to help local young people.”

Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Surrey echoed his comments:

“We are grateful that The Earl of Wessex has returned to see how much we have developed since his last visit. Building stronger communities is at the heart of what we do and over the past decade, we have built a strong relationship with Leatherhead Youth Project. We were glad to share this opportunity with LYP to celebrate what both organisations have achieved with the invaluable help of those around us.”

The Earl then went on to visit GASP Motor Project and the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre, both of whom have also previously been supported by the Community Foundation.

 

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13th January 2017

The Pitstop Fund has awarded its first five grants to groups in Mole Valley, totalling over £36,500. The Fund aims to relieve poverty among people in the community and advance their education by the provision of training in basic life skills and health matters to help them become more independent.

Grants were awarded to:
  • B@titude (pictured left), to provide core funding to pay the cost of rent for the Charity for one year. This supports the charity to do more outreach work, develop partnerships and other initiatives supporting the development of capacity and skills among socially and disadvantaged communities.
  • Bookham Baptist Church Children’s Centre, to employ an Information and Signposting Officer for the Children’s Centre for one year. Their focus will be on reaching the most disadvantaged and excluded members of the community, helping them to access education, learning, and health services.
  • Rhythmix, to provide music club sessions for Special Educational Needs students at Woodlands School in Leatherhead.
  • The Meeting Room, to support rent costs and for a drop in centre for homeless or marginalised people in Leatherhead.
  • YMCA East Surrey, to support the HeadSpace Program for young people and their parents. The program aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and provides early intervention to prevent mental health issues.
Could your group benefit from the Pitstop Fund?

The fund has ambitions to continue building on this excellent start. It is currently open for further applications and supports community groups, charities and other voluntary organisations in Mole Valley. The next deadline is Friday 3rd February 2017. Begin the process today by submitting an Expression of Interest form here.

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