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Celebrating six years of the Giving Network

The Community Foundation was delighted to welcome Giving Network members and grantee alumni to our celebration event last night. Hosted at the magnificent Newcastle Cathedral and generously supported by Ward Hadaway, the Foundation celebrated six years of giving to 24 local organisations totalling an amazing £113,000. 

Speaking at the event, Rob Williamson, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation explained the roots of the fund: 

“Our inspiration for the Giving Network came from the many people from professional backgrounds – often at an earlier stage of their careers – who cared about our area’s people and places, who wanted to give back, but for whom setting up a fund with us was not yet the right option. 

“We also wanted to give people an opportunity to work collectively – to come together around common causes, build connections and to learn in the process. 

“And we wanted to shine a light on some of the pressing issues in our area highlighted in our Vital Signs research and which we saw day in, day out through our grant making”. 

The Giving Network was launched in 2018 based on a simple idea. Members commit to donating £30 a month or more into a pot at the Community Foundation, which the Foundation matches pound for pound. 

Each year Giving Network members come together to hear from and speak to four organisations tackling issues raised in the foundations’ Vital Signs research. Members then allocate their share of the pot to the organisations they want to support. 

The celebration event brought many of the past recipients together along with current and former members of the Giving Network. It was an opportunity to reflect on the work the fund supported and appreciate that £30 a month, when collectively brought together with other like-minded people, can make a huge impact. 

As we move into our seventh year, the Foundation wants to grow the Giving Network so the impact of collective giving can be greater still. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Giving Network or becoming a member, you can read more here or contact Lisa Cappleman using the form below.