The Virgin Money Foundation believes that everyone has the right to live in a vibrant, diverse and thriving community and we want to support those vital local organisations that act as the “bedrock” in a neighbourhood - providing a place where people feel welcome, where problems can be solved and where good ideas are helped to grow. For this reason we are launching the Community Anchors' Fund in partnership with the Clay Hill Trust.
So what’s a Community Anchor organisation?
For us they are those vital, neighbourhood based, locally-led organisations, committed to driving positive economic, social and environmental change within that community. They act like “anchors” - there for the long-term, trying to provide stability as the world around them changes, constantly adapting to different circumstances. They are independent, but work in partnership with other agencies and organisations operating in the area.
Community Anchor organisations come in different forms, however, the form of the organisation is less important than the methods they employ. They are often the driving force in a local neighbourhood, the facilitator and supporter of community activity and a way that local people of all ages can be involved in determining their shared future.
The Community Anchors' Fund will provide organisations working in the North East of England with grants between £10,000 and £50,000. The funds can be used to cover core costs, they can also be spent on designing and launching new activity. The award can be spread over one, two or three years.