Guildford Philanthropy
Dedicated to reducing social inequality, especially supporting the development of work skills and training.
What is Guildford Philanthropy?
Guildford Philanthropy was launched in 2014 by Guildford Borough Council and the Community Foundation of Surrey to inspire local philanthropy and create a permanent source of capital to support and benefit the local community. Helping disadvantaged and vulnerable people develop their work skills and confidence.
You can find more on their website:
https://guildfordphilanthropy.org.uk/
Read and download the latest newsletter here
How we help people
We celebrated our 10th anniversary in 2024, and were proud to reflect on a decade of community unity and awareness-raising. Through generous donations from local residents and businesses, we've built an endowment fund exceeding £900,000. The investment returns from this fund will enable us to award grants annually, ensuring sustained support for our community.
Additionally, we've already granted over £400,000 to local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups. We've also provided mentoring, connected organisations with other funding sources, and rallied 35 businesses as Corporate Ambassadors to network and assist those in need within our community.
Read and download the latest Impact Report here
Guildford Philanthropy Volunteers
Guildford Philanthropy is powered solely by volunteers who kindly give their time and expertise, and apart from a small admin fee to the Community Foundation of Surrey, all donations go to support good causes.
We are very grateful to Guildford Borough Council, who have for several years provided match-funding support so that all donations are increased by 50%, boosting the help we can provide to our local community.
Guildford Philanthropy’s Aims
Raise awareness and engage the local community
Support projects offering training, work experience, and job opportunities to those in need, including those with poor education, disabilities, or mental illness
Build confidence and self-esteem through access to work environments and skill development
Assist local charities, community, and voluntary organisations to become more sustainable
Enhance their ability to address community needs
Apply to Guildford Philanthropy
A small grant can make a big difference
Applying for a small grant (less than £2500) is easy.
Simply click the link below to send us a quick email. You will be asked to say a few words about your organisation and what you want the funding for – keep it short.
The Fund Panel will then review whether they have any funding available and if they’d like to invite you to apply, they will send you a link to the online application form.
If you’re invited to apply, the application will be processed within a month.
If you need more than £2,500 you should apply as usual via our main grants round.
Our small grants process is designed to respond to local, urgent needs, and particularly to support the small grassroots organisations that provide much-needed support to the most vulnerable in our communities.
We therefore welcome applications that prioritise addressing the needs of residents at disadvantage because of economic or health circumstances, living with poverty or other need or inequality.
Matched Funding
Guildford Philanthropy gives everyone the chance to support their local community. To encourage potential philanthropists, Guildford Borough Council will match fund every £1 of private donations with a further 50p. If you are a UK tax payer your donation may also be eligible for Gift Aid, helping your donation go even further!
Make a donation
Donations can be made at any level, either as one-off donations or spread over a period of time. They can be donated as gifts of cash, legacies, shares, property or land.
The easiest way to give is through the donation page, which will direct your donation directly to Guildford Philanthropy. If you would prefer to make a bank transfer, please contact us.
Don’t forget Gift Aid! Using Gift Aid means that for every pound you give, Guildford Philanthropy will receive an extra 25p from HM Revenue & Customs, helping your donation go further.
