This year, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) has provided £251,000 of vital funding to nearly 30 local charities tackling poverty on the Isle of Wight.
The need for financial support through charity funding couldn’t be greater, particularly for families affected by the cost of living crisis and who are living in the toughest conditions.
Research shows that 35% of children are living in poverty on the Island; more than double the national average of 17%.
At a household level, average salaries are lower on the Island in comparison to the rest of the UK, and unemployment rates are higher.
HIWCF funding has been crucial in enabling small Island charities embedded in the community to deliver life-changing support.
In September alone, £73,000 was donated to 17 community groups.
In Newport, Rachel Thomson is the Community Centre Manager at Pan Together, a community centre supporting people facing multiple challenges.
Pan Together received £5,000 through the Isle of Wight Community Fund, managed by HIWCF.
Rachel says:
“A significant number of our local residents are amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised people in society, and the need for our support has grown at unprecedented levels.
"We’ve seen a 264% increase in visitors to the Pan Community Larder in the first six months of 2023 — the majority of whom are working families.
"Small charities can’t change the world, but we can and do make a real and tangible difference to peoples’ everyday lives."
Independent Arts received funding through HIWCF, enabling the most vulnerable people in society to connect socially through various arts-based activities.
This funding directly supports adults living with severe anxiety, providing coping techniques based on mindfulness and creativity.
Funds from the Isle of Wight Community Fund are usually distributed annually. Up to a quarter of the Community Foundation’s total annual funding reaches Island groups; a total of £1.2 Million in the past six years.
To find out more about HIWCF and request information on how to support communities in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, visit www.hiwcf.org.uk
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