Zurich Cares - Zurich Community Trust's employee involvement programme - is certainly a cause close to many peoples' hearts, as shown by the fantastic support it receives through fundraising, donations and payroll giving. But where does the money supporters give actually go? Here's your chance to find out!
Zurich Cares has an established network of local grant committees run by committed and enthusiastic Zurich staff members who identify which projects will benefit most from funding in communities across the UK.
In the first six months of 2008 alone, the committees have awarded a total of 65 grants with over £145,000 benefiting charities and community groups up and down the country. From helping older people with dementia in Cheltenham, to supporting the homeless in London or engaging young people in environmental issues in Leeds, the ways in which Zurich Cares' grants are making a difference are endless. With many new grant applications still in the pipeline, a further update will be given later this year. Just scroll down for recent grants made!
New faces
Zurich Cares is pleased to welcome on board two new local charity partners who will be supported on a longer-term basis.
Swindon Ten-Eighteen Projects (STEP) provide a safe and supportive environment for local children and young people aged 10-18. ASBOs, anti-social behaviour - the papers are full of it, but STEP aims to set the record straight to help young people build essential skills and get their lives on track. In the first year of partnership, STEP will receive a grant of £9,500 to fund the salary of a disability group work and the purchase of play equipment.
Parity in Farnborough is a local charity which provides vital support for children and young adults with multiple disabilities - and their carers - throughout Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. The charity works hard to ensure that those with disabilities are able to access educational, health and personal development opportunities and runs a day centre in Farnborough. Zurich Cares Farnborough has just entered into a two year partnership with Parity who will receive an annual grant of £4000 for two years. The first grant will provide musical instruments and therapists.
For a flavour of just who is saying 'Thanks' to Zurich Cares, see the list of causes supported from April to June 2008 alone!
Alzheimer's Support, Swindon - £5,500
Harris HospisCare, London - £5,000
The Growing Zone, Leeds - £1,000
The Friends of Canon's House, Swindon
JDRF, Birmingham - £1,000
Fairgame Theatre, Cheltenham - £3,000
Spitalfields Crypt Trust, London - £1,500
Parity, Farnborough - £4,000
Forest of Dean Children's Opportunity Centre, Cheltenham - £4,000
Help for Heroes, Birmingham - £500
East Europe Support Network, London - £400
Gloucestershire Dance, Cheltenham - £3,000
Scope Living Options, Swindon - £4,000
Stroud & District Alzheimer's Society, Cheltenham - £3,620
Scope, Birmingham - £500
Leukaemia Unit Appeal, Birmingham - £1,000
Sense Scotland, Glasgow - £750
Friends of Amberley Ridge School, Cheltenham - £4,000
Hope house, Birmingham - £500
Arts to Share, Leeds - £500
British Heart Foundation, Cardiff - £450
Tech 4 All, London - £2,500
Prostate Cancer Charity, Birmingham - £500
Headway Cardiff, Cardiff - £450
C.R.I.S.P., Cardiff - £250
Home-Start NE Hampshire, Farnborough - £1,110
Community Link Up, London - £2,500
Fair Shares Gloucestershire, Cheltenham - £4,000
County Air Ambulance, Birmingham - £500
Leeds Society for Deaf & Blind People, Leeds - £500
Dressability, Swindon - £3,846
