One of the county’s largest charitable grant makers has distributed £187,000 in funding to 31 local groups and organisations across Worcestershire.

The six-figure support came from Worcestershire Community Foundation through the Strengthening Worcestershire Fund which was launched last summer in partnership with Worcestershire County Council.

Those benefiting from the funding include Worcester Snoezelen, a leisure therapy centre supporting people with disability and additional needs, and Nightstop, a Wyre Forest and south Worcestershire charity which provides support to prevent youth homelessness.

Other local charities and community organisations which benefited include those which help people deal with food and fuel poverty, isolation and mental health challenges, and groups supporting children and young people.

Those receiving grants will get an average award of £6,000.

Jonathan Chenevix-Trench, Chair of Worcestershire Community Foundation said: “As ever, we are extremely proud to continue our funding for the incredible work of the voluntary sector throughout Worcestershire.

We’re delighted to have collaborated so closely with our colleagues at the County Council, and very grateful to them for being such strong contributors to the Fund. 

It has allowed us to continue to support a broad spread of good causes which make a lasting difference locally, but need as much help as possible to overcome financial and operational challenges in order to ensure their sustainability.”

He added: “We are also hugely grateful to the very generous local donors and match funders who contributed to the Fund, ensuring some crucial projects will be supporting Worcestershire communities in 2025.

Being able to distribute nearly £200,000 of funding is our way of helping secure stronger futures for many vital organisations which do so much for so many across our county.”

Jane Roberts, Chief Executive Officer at Worcester Snoezelen added: “We are very grateful to Worcestershire Community Foundation for their generous donation which supports our Activity Wednesday project. This provides opportunities for up to 40 adults who have learning disabilities to take part in meaningful and stimulating group activities weekly.’’

Chief Officer from Nightstop Judith Ford commented: “We want to say a huge thank you to Worcestershire Community Foundation. This grant will make a big difference to our work by helping us to support more vulnerable young people in crisis and facing homelessness.”

Mr Chenevix-Trench added that the Foundation would like to engage further with local people and organisations who wish to support their county by making a donation or leaving a financial legacy. Making a donation to the Worcestershire Community Foundation is a fantastic way of ensuring support goes to where it’s most needed in the county.

In 2020/2021, Worcestershire Community Foundation was widely praised for supporting over 370 community projects with £1 million worth of funding through its Covid-19 Response Appeal. The funding helped local projects to overcome challenges presented by the crisis and to deliver much-needed emergency response services during the Pandemic.

Since its formation in 2003, the Foundation has distributed over £5 million to charities, volunteer networks and good causes, building key partnerships with supporters and funders to help reach as many local people in need as possible.