Philanthropy charity launches in Cheshire

Earlier this month, our Executive Director for the North West, Deborah McLaughlin, attended the inaugural launch event for the Cheshire Community Foundation.

Deborah talks about the foundation and reflects on the event:

What is the Cheshire Community Foundation?
Cheshire is one of the latest community foundations to be established in the country and is part of a network of 57 across the UK. Its mission is to make Cheshire better by bringing together philanthropists who wish to help local community groups in Cheshire that most need support. They’ve got high hopes and ambitious plans – they aim to be giving away £1m a year by 2016 and have already raised funding to cover core costs for the first three years. 

The network is a powerful organisation supported by many famous faces – Dame Vera Lynn, Sir Michael Parkinson, Dame Helen Mirren, Dickie Davies, Sir David Jason, Terry Wogan and the North West’s very own, Bill Roach, or Wethfield’s Ken Barlow to non-Corrie fans.  

Has the recession impacted on charitable donations?
Despite the current economic climate, the spirit of philanthropy is alive and well. The total endowment stood at £281 million at March 2011, an increase of 25% on the previous year (£224.5m). 533 new funds were set up in the year, with an average fund size of £95,000, and a total value of £50.5m - over a third more than in the previous year. It seems community philanthropists continue to support local organisations despite these austere times.

How did the event go?
The Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs – who is responsible for arranging all of the Royal visits with the county and is involved in many local charities – hosted the event. The Board of Trustees used the event to explain the level of interest they’ve already had in the organisation and the types of individuals they’re keen to support like returning military personnel.

Who attended?
The event was attended by public sector partners including the Chief Executive and Leader of Cheshire Council, health trusts and chief executives from registered providers, including Plusdane, Wulvern Housing and Cheshire and District Housing Trust. So it was great to see so many of our partners who we’ve been working closely with on a range of schemes in Cheshire.

What was our role in the event?
It gave the HCA the opportunity to reinforce our joint priorities – to improve the economic prospects of residents in Cheshire and to make a practical and lasting difference to people’s lives. I also spoke about the importance of partnership working in order to meet our aspirations and ambitions.