Leeds Fund teams up with John Lewis in latest grant round
The Leeds Fund has distributed more grants to local community projects to help people across the city, thanks to support from John Lewis Leeds.
Launched last year with backing from the Fund’s Patron, Leeds-born TV presenter, Gabby Logan and support from anchor partner, John Lewis Leeds, and other local businesses, The Leeds Fund has already distributed over £550,000 in large strategic grants to community groups addressing mental health issues and smaller #GiveLoveLeeds grants addressing a range of needs.
Managed by local charity, Leeds Community Foundation (LCF), the latest round of #GiveLoveLeeds grants has supported eight community projects with up to £2,500, totaling over £18,800, to help them engage with local people to strengthen existing relationships and provide the tools to create healthy family relationships.
ChildSide, Community Central Café and Kidz Klub are three of the projects which have received grants to run activities to build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience for young people and their families. Grants to other funded projects will offer a range of services and activities, including:
– Basis Training and Education will provide workshops, assemblies and promotional material to young people to create awareness of online safety, sexual violence, consent and grooming.
– Imagine If Theatre Company will support the production of ‘You Forgot the Mince’ and healthy relationship workshops to support those affected by domestic abuse and the wider community.
– Luv2meetU is a friendship and dating project run by and for adults with learning disabilities and autism that will be able to ensure they can run a variety of activities to meet their member’s needs.
– Red Road Allotment will be able to improve the condition and safety of the allotments by adding fencing and cameras, as well as converting an old garage into a learning space for children.
– ToastLoveCoffee will be able to pilot community inclusion work with children/young people around the themes of healthy eating, food waste and food production.
James Prince, head of branch for John Lewis Leeds, said: “We are proud to be part of Leeds skyline and play our part in contributing to the wellbeing of the local community. We are delighted that our donation to The Leeds Fund is still helping to make a difference and support a wide range of worthwhile causes. We will be continuing to support the next round of #GiveLoveLeeds Grants later in the year, when more community groups and small charities will have the opportunity to apply for grants to support local people in their communities.”
LCF’s Development Director, Kate Hainsworth, said: “It is fantastic that we have been able to fund even more projects through The Leeds Fund, thanks to the support of companies like John Lewis Leeds. We are truly grateful for their help and hope their generosity will inspire other companies to get involved with The Leeds Fund to ensure community based projects continue to make a real difference to people’s lives in Leeds.”
To support The Leeds Fund, please visit www.theleedsfund.org.uk to donate, or send a cheque made payable to ‘The Leeds Fund’ to Leeds Community Foundation, 51a St Paul’s Street, Leeds, LS1 2TE. The next round of #GiveLoveLeeds Grants will open for applications in May 2017.
