October 2012 saw the launch of the Denbighshire Community Endowment Fund at Ruthin Arts Centre. The Fund was formed as a result of the Foundations work with Denbighshire County Council, who agreed to transfer their small and inactive dormant charitable trusts to the Foundations stewardship. The endowment income from this fund will be given to locally-run voluntary organisations, charities, projects and individuals within Denbighshire County.
"We are delighted to be working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council. By working together, we can make sure that the funding is targeted effectively but we also want the fund to grow so more local groups can benefit in the future. Initially, the Fund will maintain the education focus of the first gift, but as more people, businesses and trusts add their donations to the Fund, the charitable objectives and grant criteria will broaden. We invite people living in the county to consider gifting a donation to their communities. Local giving for local action really does make a difference."
The Denbighshire Community Endowment Fund helps people who want to make a difference – with charitable giving or with community action, by:
gathering donations and targeting funding to meet needs and strengthen communities in Denbighshire
working with local people to advise on grant making decisions
awarding grants to grass roots groups and projects which often fall under the radar of funders and donors
supporting the educational aspirations of young people
Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, explained:
"When we were contacted by the Community Foundation in Wales, we became really enthusiastic about contributing the monies to create this education-focussed Fund for Denbighshire. We now have a very good way forward, the money available is going to be invested well, funding will be released to just causes within our communities, and that will, hopefully, reap benefits to our residents, now and for years to come".
Donations are being encouraged into this Fund to build the Endowment for the future of Denbighshire. If you are interested in giving to your local Endowment Fund please click here
