Press Releases
South Yorkshire MPs encourage local givers to act now to make most of double the money programme
18th March 2009
SEVERAL South Yorkshire MPs have called upon local givers to make the most of a groundbreaking double your money match funding offer through the South Yorkshire Community Foundation.
Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron, Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton and Sheffield Brightside MP David Blunkett have all lent their support to SYCF's Grassroots Grants programme, through which any donations will be instantly matched pound for pound from government money to create a permanent source of funding for South Yorkshire communities.
Kevin Barron MP said: "Charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises are on the frontline in delivering help to those that need it most.
"At the moment they are facing a big increase in demand so I think the Grassroots Grants match funding is a great way of boosting and sustaining support for these organisation.
Before the March 31 deadline, SYCF has more than £100,000 to raise from local businesses and philanthropists for the three year national Grassroots Grants programme that aims to add lasting value to communities by encouraging local giving.
David Blunkett MP said: "This is a difficult moment in time, but that simply means that the funding is all the more crucial in helping meet need and regenerating the economy.
"It would be a crying shame if any funding or opportunity were to be missed and it is vital that we avoid this."
Both Mr Barron and Ms Winterton attended the Community Foundation Network's annual parliamentary reception at the House of Lords last month, and the latter was quick to lend her support to the programme.
She said: "Those who are considering charitable giving can now double the impact they have through the Grassroots Grants programme.
"Companies, individuals and families can find out about how they can come together and help to make a difference in their area by contacting the South Yorkshire Community Foundation."
Their backing comes as a further boost after SYCF received a donation of £1,000 from the Open Forum For Economic Regeneration (offer) that will be match funded and put into the Great Sheffield Grassroots Fund.
The fund will provide a permanent source of funding for vital community groups in Sheffield who do so much to help the local area.
Dave Jackson, director of OFFER said: "It would be a huge shame if the money for this area was lost.
"If people find themselves coming to the financial year end with some unrestricted reserves they might want to think if they could make a donation."
"The future is really uncertain for lots of small organisations, and local generosity is extremely important to them."
With the first year deadline not far away, those in South Yorkshire who are considering charitable giving at this time are being encouraged to get involved with the challenge.
Pauline Grice, chief executive of SYCF, said: "South Yorkshire communities will miss out if its first year allocation is not taken advantage of.
"The pound for pound match funding means that this is one of the most effective donations that businesses and philanthropists in South Yorkshire will ever make, and we are delighted to have the support of local MP's throughout the area.
"Through the Grassroots Grants endowment challenge, we hope to show donors who are still considering charitable giving at this time, how they can achieve as great an impact with their money as possible."
Those interested in making a donation that can have a massive impact in South Yorkshire should call 0114 242 4857 or visit www.sycf.org.uk for more information.
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