Following its nomination for a Beacon Award, the Norfolk Future Fund collected a Judge’s Special Award at a prestigious event at The Mansion House, London.

The Norfolk Future Fund was set up by NCF to bring a younger generation of donors closer to their communities to encourage charitable giving and to support local charities.  One of our founder members, Ben Handford of Naked Marketing accepted the award on behalf of the group, accompanied by the Foundation’s director of marketing and development, Anna Douglas and trustee, Jackie Higham. This year, the theme was around innovation in philanthropy and the awards recognised exceptional philanthropists and the work they are doing to inspire others to get involved in charitable giving and to support disadvantaged communities in the UK and overseas.  Other winners included Dame Vivienne Westwood DBE for her work with Cool Earth, an organisation with the ambition to save the world’s climate-protecting rainforests; Martin Lewis OBE (AKA the Money Saving Expert), for his work around mental health and debt problems; and Dame Kelly Holmes DBE, for philanthropy in sport and her work with disadvantaged young people.

Ben said, “It’s great that members have been recognised for this national award for philanthropy.  Hopefully, this Norfolk project is one that we can see replicated in other counties across the UK through local community foundations.”

The 45 members of the Norfolk Future Fund each contribute £25 per month which makes a bigger impact collectively than it might individually.  Since it was established, the group has raised around £80,000 which has been awarded to voluntary groups through its interactive and fun ‘Dragon’s Den’ charity events where members and guests are allocated a share from the Fund and choose which projects to support.  The audience can also offer skills and time if there is a particular cause they would like to engage with.

Members have enabled 18 local community projects to happen including a new sensory room for Sunbeams Play, which provides a fun, safe and caring environment for children and young people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder; further funding for a therapeutic service for children and young people who have reported being sexually abused, delivered by Fresh Start – New Beginnings; and costs for music sessions for people with ill mental health, learning difficulties or other health issues through the Black Dog Music Project.

Director of marketing and development at the Foundation, Anna Douglas said “It’s so exciting that the work of Norfolk Community Foundation has been recognised on a national stage amongst such amazing people.  What we have developed, with the support of individuals like Ben, is a unique way of giving and a community of charitable individuals that enjoy coming together to help to make Norfolk a better place. It’s our aim to build upon this success and we would love to see the membership grow to 100!”

If you would like to know more about how you can join and get involved with the Norfolk Future Fund, contact Graham Tuttle on 01603 623958 or info@norfolkfoundation.com

10.05.17