We are thrilled to share an important milestone; a decade of partnership and grant-making with Suffolk Community Foundation, through our Acorn Fund. Over the past 10 years, we’ve proudly awarded grants totalling £50,000 to 34 local charitable and community causes.
In this time, we’ve focused on smaller community and grassroots organisations, allowing us to support projects aligned with our theme of Health & Wellbeing and ensuring our contributions genuinely make a difference in our local community.
The Heart of our Partnership
Our staff have been integral to every aspect of this partnership. From voting on causes to support, fundraising, volunteering, to visiting the beneficiaries – it’s heartening to see our collective dedication making a positive impact on the local community, while also strengthening the bonds within our team and with our valued suppliers.
Impact Analysis Highlights
An impact analysis carried out by the Foundation in 2021 revealed that our collaborative efforts have positively touched the lives of over 4,000 people. It’s a testament to the power of community and the profound change we can create when we come together.
A visit to Ipswich Community Playbus
Yesterday, to mark the occasion, we had the privilege of visiting our most recent beneficiary, Ipswich Community Playbus, and were delighted to present them with a cheque for £1,800.
Ipswich Community Playbus, an institution in Ipswich since the late ‘70s, has been creating lasting friendships for both children and adults alike, for almost 50 years. The bus travels to six locations in Ipswich each week during term time, providing a free service, primarily for low-income families. The impact it has on the local community is immeasurable, providing a vital service for those unable to reach or afford pre-schools and playgroups.
The funds will go towards renovating ‘Dennis’, a replacement bus for ‘Maggie’ who has been in service for 21 years! As Dennis gears up for his new role, it is anticipated he will hit the road in spring 2024, carrying forward the legacy of this incredible charity, and allowing ‘Maggie’ to take her well-earned retirement.
Looking ahead
So after 10 successful years of grant-making, what does the future hold for our Acorn Fund? Well, we are currently looking at plans that will enable us to increase our impact in the future so we can reach more local good causes.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Here’s to a decade of impact, and to many more years of positive change!
To find out more about our Acorn Fund and the causes we’ve supported click here.
To find out more about Ipswich Community Playbus and how you can support the charity click here.