Special event celebrates 20 years of grant-giving

More than 250 charity representatives, voluntary workers, community champions, donors and business leaders have learnt more about the work of Suffolk Community Foundation at a special event taking place during its 20th anniversary year.

The Foundation’s Annual Review and the High Sheriff’s awards took place at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds yesterday (19 March). The afternoon was compered by Mark Murphy and saw keynote speaker Gavin Stone, Chief Executive of 4YP, outline some of the issues faced by young people in Suffolk.

Guests were also treated to a performance by Suffolk Philharmonic Orchestra while High Sheriff Yvonne Gilchrist-Mason presented awards to Restore Women’s Aid, Headway Suffolk, The Nest Farms and Ipswich Outreach. A special film celebrating the past two decades of Suffolk Community Foundation and the impact it has achieved across the county was also shown.

In addition, the audience was given the chance to find out more about Suffolk Futures, which has been set up specifically to mark the 20th anniversary. The fund aims to support 16 to 25-year-olds by raising £200,000, which will be match funded by 50% to total £300,000. Thanks to the generosity of local people, Suffolk Community Foundation is already half-way to reaching its target.

“2025 marks a significant milestone in our history as we celebrate our 20th anniversary year,” said George Vestey DL, Chair of Suffolk Community Foundation. “I am incredibly proud to be Chair of an organisation which has achieved so much in such a relatively short period of time.

“We started from humble beginnings, launching with a seed fund of just £1m. Over the intervening years we have become the largest grant-maker in Suffolk and one of the fastest growing community foundations in England.

“We have now awarded £46m to charities and voluntary organisations across the county. That money has already made an enormous difference and is continuing to have a hugely positive impact on the lives of local people every single day.”

Hannah Bloom, Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “Since the Foundation was set up 20 years ago, the needs of our communities have changed. We now face issues of a growing aging population, areas of real deprivation, an increasing number of children with special educational needs and disabilities and challenges for young people who are unable to access a full range of opportunities available to them.

“However, by continuing to work together, we can make a real difference to communities by helping families, workers, neighbours, older people, young people and those who are disadvantaged to be healthier and happier.

“Our sincere thanks go to everyone who has been involved in the Foundation for the last 20 years, and whose hard work and generosity has helped us award a staggering £46m across Suffolk so far.

“I am absolutely delighted to be able to lead this fantastic organisation as we move into our next phase and look forward to continuing to work closely with charities, donors, volunteers, fundholders, communities and our staff to make an even bigger difference in the future.”

The annual review event was sponsored by CCLA, with Rathbones, the East Anglian Daily Times, Debach and Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines sponsoring the High Sheriff’s awards.

For more information about Suffolk Community Foundation, visit www.suffolkcf.org.uk

The High Sheriff’s Awards were presented to:

• Restore Women’s Aid – which provides safe and supportive temporary accommodation for women and children who are escaping domestic abuse.
• Headway Suffolk – which works to improve life after a brain injury.
• The Nest Farms – which offers day placements which give young people struggling with their mental health the chance to build resilience by reconnecting with nature.
• Ipswich Outreach – which helps homeless people and those in need by running soup kitchens and an outreach bus.

(Photo credit: Simply C Photography)