Groups who work to tackle social exclusion on the Island are invited to apply for grants of up to £16,000 from the Isle of Wight Foundation.
The foundation, which is funded by the organisations which form the partnership behind Island Roads, has given almost £500,000 to local good causes since it was formed in 2014.
Scores of groups have benefited from the foundation’s support, with many using the funding to purchase new equipment, fund training courses, buy minibuses, improve facilities or make them more accessible to those with disabilities.
Eligible projects must support the foundation’s aims of improving access to employment and building better communities. Both were identified as being key areas of need on the Island by community representatives when the foundation was deciding where best to focus its work.
Philip Horton, chairman of the Isle of Wight Foundation, said: “We have been incredibly humbled to learn about the work undertaken on the Island by a wide range of charities and groups. It has been a privilege to support them in their work and see the huge benefits brought to individuals, groups and local communities.
“We are looking forward to supporting even more projects as Island Roads’ work to improve the highways network continues and would urge eligible groups to apply for funding as part of this year’s grant call.”
Among the groups to receive support from the Isle of Wight Foundation to date has been The Wave Project, a charity that helps vulnerable children and young people to experience a better life through surfing. A grant from the foundation funded new equipment to help more children and young people to take part in their surf therapy sessions.
Abbie James from the charity said: “The grant that we received from the foundation has been pivotal in strengthening the project and has allowed us to reach even more young people. Throughout the whole process, the team at Island Roads was really helpful and super supportive.”
As well as grant funding, eligible projects are also supported by Island Roads employees who are given the opportunity to be project sponsors and give their time to share their specialist skills with grant recipients to help them deliver their projects.
Funding applications can be made from Monday 3 February until midday on Monday 4 May 2020.
Full eligibility criteria and details of the application process can be found in the Isle of Wight Foundation section of the Island Roads website www.islandroads.com.
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