Since the Isle of Wight Foundation was launched in 2014, we have given more than £800,000 to local good causes, helping to tackle social exclusion on the Island.
The latest groups receive support with grants totalling more than £86,000 are:
£3,100 to improve IT infrastructure and buy printers for use at its Sandown HQ where it trains assistance dogs for young people living on the Island with disabilities.
£15,000 to purchase a Transit van with tail lift to transport large items of furniture produced by adults with additional needs and mental health issues to customers.
£8,750 to partly finance the Travelling Safe Space project to provide accessible mental health support to young people facing mental health challenges.
£5,000 to give Islanders with MND positive and enriching activities and trips, either in the community or within their own homes with the aim of improving mental health and helping to create a wider support network for families.
£16,000 for a replacement conservatory to provide a vital safe, social space for its clients which have moderate to severe learning disabilities.
£14,000 towards a new minibus to transport clients with learning disabilities, autism or mental health issues to activity sessions at its Newport HQ or on excursions.
£13,167 to cover minibus hire, insurance and maintenance costs for one of the charity’s Daisy Buses which provide transport for Island patients receiving cancer treatment on the mainland.
£8,000 to update power tools and woodworking machines at the group’s base in Totland.
£3,000 towards the cost of running the 4Ps programme which helps young people with learning disabilities to build confidence and develop communication skills through radio.
Find out more about the work of the Isle of Wight Foundation in our annual reports
Read more about the VINCI Foundation and the type of projects it has supported in countries around the globe.
Jan Brookes CEO Isle Access “The funding for bikes and storage facility have enabled us to create a cycling programme for people who cannot ride regular two-wheeled cycles. The people using the bikes are gaining new skills such as, confidence, balance, coordination, and they are now enjoying a sport that they previously couldn’t take part in. We are very grateful to the Foundation for funding this project.” Isle Access: £16,000 for accessible cycling equipment (social integration – community life)
Trudie Augustus-Harris Administrator YMCA Young Carers “The ‘Me Time’ project benefitted the Young Carers in a diverse amount of positive ways. It was great to be able to give them the opportunity to do something just for themselves ranging from learning a new instrument to being able to buy equipment for a new hobby that they’d always had a passion for. It really has made a positive difference to their lives. Thank you Isle of Wight Foundation!” YMCA Young Carers: £6,000 to fund individual grants to young carers (building better communities – social integration)
Luke Kerr IW Beach Soccer “Beach soccer is continually growing in popularity due to its accessibility, health and social benefits. The new goals funded by the Isle of Wight Foundation have helped to secure our future and allow us to focus on our strategy to work more closely with Island schools to give even more young people the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from beach soccer.” Isle of Wight Beach Soccer: £3,657 for new sets of goals (Access to employment – youth and citizenship)
Abbie James IW Coordinator Wave Project “The grant that we received from the IW 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 were really helpful and super supportive. Thank you!” Wave Project: £9,750 for equipment to help vulnerable children and young people to access surf therapy sessions (Building better communities – social integration)
Chris Bagnall Wight Home Care “The new bus has made a huge difference to our members who really look forward to their trips out with the club. The new bus is larger and able to accommodate up to three wheelchair users at once, which is hugely beneficial. As well as enabling our members to do some shopping or visit an attraction, the Daisy Chain Club has important social benefits. Our members love catching up with friends – and meeting new ones – while out and about.” Wight Home Care: £15,000 to help fund a new minibus for the Daisy Chain Club (Building better communities – social integration)