Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF), a charity that assesses needs and distributes grants to other local organizations, has reported unprecedented demand for funding, with only about one in ten applicants able to receive support. Typically, the foundation distributes around £1 million annually across the region. Its flagship funding program, which usually funds a dozen charities with a £135,000 budget, has this year received 141 applications, highlighting a tenfold increase in demand compared to previous years.
HIWCF relies on contributions from philanthropists, businesses, and other donors to support grassroots projects. CEO Jacqui Scott noted the exceptional surge in applications, emphasizing that the foundation is now seeing pressures far beyond its usual three-to-four times oversubscription. Local charities are feeling the strain: for example, Fortune College, which uses horse-riding therapy to support SEND students aged 16–25, has relied on HIWCF grants to expand its program but remains financially dependent on external support. Similarly, Youth and Families Matter, a Totton-based charity, has faced increased competition and rising costs, making it difficult to secure sufficient funding.
To address the funding shortfall, HIWCF is calling on the government to introduce a match-funding program. This initiative would allow the charity to double the money available, as every pound raised locally could be matched by the government, providing a significant boost to community projects. Jacqui Scott stressed that such a program would maximize the impact of philanthropic contributions, offering long-term benefits to local communities while helping smaller charities navigate the current “perfect storm” of demand, rising costs, and limited resources.
Related Posts
