The internal round of our Local Community Fund exists for a very special reason. It gives cardfactory colleagues the chance to champion the causes that matter most where they live, work and volunteer. Their nominations help us understand the real needs within local communities – sometimes in places that wouldn’t otherwise appear on national radars – and ensures our support reaches people in the moments that matter.
41 Charities, £205,000 of support
Thanks to the nominations submitted by cardfactory colleagues across the country this year, 41 charities have each received a £5,000 Local Community Grant, totalling £205,000 of support.
The range of charities demonstrates the incredible breadth of need in our communities, and the compassion of the people who serve them. Among this year’s recipients are:
- 6 hospices
- 5 cancer charities
- 5 mental health causes
- 5 charities tackling poverty
- 6 organisations supporting families and children
- 3 disability & inclusion charities
- 7 health & wellbeing causes
- 4 community & mentoring projects
Together, these organisations support thousands of people, from families in crisis and young people needing guidance, to individuals facing illness, financial hardship, isolation, or bereavement.
Debbie Powell, General Manager at Cotswold Riding for the Disabled describes how the grant will help disabled people of all ages in their area: “This will enable us to continue providing riding lessons and equine-based activities to adults and children living with a disability, at our arena based on Cheltenham Racecourse. Our riders and participants are always at the centre of what we do, and the ability to enhance their experience at our centre will add to their quality of life.”
Reaching communities far and wide
Nominations came from 38 retail regions across the UK, plus 3 business areas, reflecting just how deeply connected cardfactory colleagues are to their local areas.
Whether it was a small village hospice, a community food project, a mental health support group, or a youth mentoring initiative, colleagues put forward causes that sit at the heart of their neighbourhoods.
The result is a map of impact that stretches right across the UK, a testament to the power of local insights and the generosity of cardfactory colleagues.
Sheila Campbell, CEO at Heart Children Ireland explains how the grant will help: “We are a small charity that hits big and fundraising is always a major challenge for our small team. The cardfactory Foundation funds will be used to provide psychological support to traumatised children following major surgery and long stretches in hospital undergoing recovery.”
Powered by colleagues who care
The cardfactory Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every cardfactory team member who took the time to nominate a charity this year. Your knowledge, your compassion, and your community spirit are what make the Local Community Fund so meaningful.
By sharing the stories of the places and people you care about, you help us support vital organisations doing life-changing work, like NeoAngels. Charlotte Palmer, Chief Executive Officer at Neoangels expands on this: “This grant will go a long way to supporting families with babies in neonatal care in James Cook and North Tees Hospitals. By providing additional funds, cardfactory Foundation will help us to provide travel grants and parking vouchers, enabling parents to visit more frequently, and by supporting our community neonatal graduate playgroup, encouraging socialisation in a safe and supportive environment.”
Learn more about the purpose and approach behind the Local Community Fund.
