DORSET Community Foundation celebrated its 21st birthday at an evening of celebration with staff, trustees, donors and supporters.
The community foundation, which has awarded more than £11 million in grants to Dorset’s grass roots groups and individuals over the last 21 years, has had its busiest ever year. It’s Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund awarded more than £1 million through 328 grants to help charities and voluntary groups overcome the challenges of the pandemic.
The celebration, held at the Royal Motor Yacht Club near Sandbanks, was a chance to thank supporters and donors, as well as a chance to look to the future.
New chairman of trustees Tom Flood told guests he wants to grow the community foundation’s new Living Legancy Fund, launched in partnership with BCP Council, and challenged donors to support the charity’s running costs.
Ambassador and former BBC news journalist Kate Adie told guests how important the community foundation is and how its support for smaller charities and voluntary groups is more vital now than ever before.
I felt among friends and I felt everybody there wished the organisation a huge amount of goodwill
Among the guests were Dorset’s Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell, High Sheriff Michael Dooley, Police and Crime Commisisoner David Sidwick as well as BCP councillor Jane Kelly.
Also present was Olympic butterfly swimmer Jacob Peters, who was a recipient of the community foundation’s Young and Talented Fund, set up with Mr Campbell.
Mr Flood said he was delighted at how the evening went. “There was a very homely feel to the event, and the wonderful backdrop helped with that tremendously,” he said. “I felt among friends and I felt everybody there wished the organisation a huge amount of goodwill.
“I was very pleased that so many people who matter to the support of the community foundation were there and they were very effusive in what they felt the organisation could do and what it represents.”
Director Grant Robson added: “It was lovely to look back at the phenomenal efforts of the last 21 years and the support we’ve been able to give through the generosity of our donors.
But we are far from done and the event was also a passionate call to action, to any company, family or charitable trust who is looking to give back locally, anywhere in Dorset. We know where the need is, we know the groups and causes who are best placed to support their communities and we can ensure real impact is made with any charitable investment made with us.”
See more photographs of the event on our video below.
