Launched on the 1st March, groups in this region had the chance to match fund every pound donated up to a maximum value of £2,500. The call to action was made by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, an organisation dedicated to providing community philanthropy in this region, in partnership with Localgiving.com, the national web site dedicated to supporting small, ultra-local charities.
Romsey Mill was one of a number of charities in Cambridgeshire to receive a share of the Match Fund money. The charities mission is to create opportunities for children, young people and families to overcome disadvantage, promote inclusion, and develop personal, social and spiritual well being.
The charity received total donations of £4710.20 including Gift Aid and minus fees, this couldn’t have come at a better time as Thomas Laws, Fundraising Officer at Romsey Mill explains; “Funding from the March Match fund will make a valuable contribution to our work creating opportunities with disadvantaged young people across South Cambridgeshire.”
Thomas continued, “funding will contribute to residential trips that enable young people to experience a break from stressful circumstances, reflect on their lives and explore their aspirations and goals. We found the March Match Fund was an excellent way of encouraging supporters to donate to Romsey Mill as they knew that their donation would have double the impact. We are looking forward to the next Match Fund campaign.”
CEO of Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, Jane Darlington, said: “The Match Fund has eased a lot of organisations fundraising pressures. It’s very exciting to hear of all the plans and projects to be delivered as a result of the dedication and generosity of people in our region.”
Cambridgeshire Community Foundation helps groups throughout the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region and advises on the most effective way of increasing donations. Over the coming months it will be announcing a series of other match fund initiatives, including a May Match Fund in Cambridge. The Foundation recommends charities and local community groups get in touch as soon as possible to find out more details of how they can make the most of the opportunities provided through Localgiving.
Despite a dip in charity giving during the recession in 2008/09, charitable giving remains widespread, with almost 6 out of every 10 adults donating to charitable causes.* The median amount donated by each person per annum has dipped slightly, with the typical amount given being £11. The proportion of donors giving more than £100 is small (7% in 2010/11) but accounts for 45% of the total amount donated.
Jane continued, “Although people are still donating to charities despite increasing economic pressures it is often a real struggle for local organisations, especially when taking into account rising costs and the greater demands often placed on charities that are providing essential services to the local community. We are delighted that so many charities, organisations and community groups in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have benefited from Localgiving.com’s Match Fund and we are really looking forward to the local match funds we will be running in April and May ”
To find out more about localgiving and how your group can register , please visit Cambridgeshire Community Foundation website www.cambscf.org.uk
*Source UK Giving 2011
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