Devon Community Foundation
OUR YEAR | 2016 Philanthropy
FUNDING
Nurturing Communities
Celebrating 20 years of giving
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
Our Year 2016 tells the story of those who are already gaining the enjoyment and
CONTENTS
reward of giving back to their communities. You can be a part of this too. Across Devon the case for supporting local communities has never been stronger.
KEEP PEOPLE SAFE & WELL
WORKING WITH PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
14/15
13
PROMOTE ACCESS TO ARTS, CULTURE & NATURE
16
Steve Hindley
PHILANTHROPY OFFER TRAINING & WORK OPPORTUNITIES
INTRO
WELLBEING EXETER
12
Message fROM OUR Chairman
21
17
NURTURING COMMUNITIES
HISTORIC EXETER FIRE APPEAL
BUILDING A STRONGER BRITAIN TOGETHER
20
22
COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDS
6
INTRO
4 ENCOURAGE SAFETY & RESILIENCE
7
ASSIST FAMILIES IN NEED
INTRO
2/3
FACTS & FIGURES 19
wide variety of partnerships and strategic bodies in
a culture of giving across the county helping to
order to encourage a deeper understanding of the
build and maintain thriving communities. It is the
vital role of communities and the active volunteers
work of the organisations we invest in that help
within them.
DEVELOP LIFE SKILLS
astounding work that is done by these organisations
24
receiving funding from us, is possible only through the donations and actions of local people. We now hold over 50 different funds and have an endowment of £6.6 million thanks to the generosity
OUR PROGRAMMES
HELP PEOPLE TO FIND & KEEP A HOME
9
FINANCIAL 18
celebrated a real milestone: 20 years of fostering
challenges they face and achieve their goals. The
FUNDING
BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
23
8
We also bring our resources and experience to a
people rebuild their lives, support them to overcome
4/5
ENABLE DISABLED PEOPLE
In 2016 Devon Community Foundation (DCF)
MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN 1
25
supported 3,649 projects worth a total of £10,705,795 to those groups across Devon helping to transform the lives of nearly 900,000 local people for the
OUR IMPACT 10/11
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF GIVING 26/27
of local people. Which in turn, means we have
better. The following pages will shine a spotlight on the three things we do as a Foundation: OUR PEOPLE 28/29
Funding... we invest in great ideas and unsung
We are very grateful for the funding: it is organisations like yours who offer lifelines to small community groups like us.
heroes, helping them to do what they do best: make a real difference to the lives of local people
We are supported in our mission by many partners and we are very grateful for their commitment and vision working alongside us to bring about real change in our local communities. As always I must thank our trustees and volunteers who support our work by serving on our grant panels, giving their time to visit projects we’ve funded or helping us plan special events, as well as our dedicated and passionate trustees who continue to raise the Foundation to new heights. Without your help we would not be where we are today. Thanks also goes to our local voluntary sector for the incredible amount of work that so often goes unnoticed and unrewarded. Giving more locally, is at the core of what this Foundation does, and we are proud to join forces with businesses, individuals,
Philanthropy... we are a catalyst for giving, inspiring
families and organisations who have also decided to
local philanthropy that changes lives today, tomorrow
make their communities more vibrant, more powerful,
and forever
and more resilient.
Nurturing communities... we are the champion of
Steve Hindley CBE DL Chairman
local communities and all those who contribute to helping those communities thrive
Greener Ilfracombe Ltd
1
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
FUNDING
Lyn Sheppard
In 2016 thanks to generous donations we were
consultation, we made the decision to remove any
able to fund 147 local projects by investing
deadlines from our Stage 1 Application, meaning
£495,556 in grants, helping to support 58,539
those interested in applying can now do so all year
people in need. We’re always looking to support
round. This change has helped alleviate any stress
new and interesting work, so if you’re a local
and pressure on groups applying for support,
community project addressing disadvantage and
especially those small projects run solely by
deprivation on your doorstep please put in a
volunteers. It has also enabled us to spend more
Stage 1 Application today.
time supporting and encouraging applicants, and
It has been a busy and exciting year for us and we have a lot to share with you! Thanks to our strong
requested, in comparison to 62% last year. It really is a privilege for us to work as closely as we
access the funding they so desperately need, we
do with so many vital groups and the impressive
have been chosen to hold four new community
people who run them. I hope you enjoy the case
benefit funds. Our role is to make a positive
studies throughout this report which highlight the
difference to the lives of local people by channelling
many ways they are changing people’s lives in our
the funding into projects to help build thriving and
neighbourhoods. It is important for us to not only
vibrant places to live.
show the difference being made to those people’s
Foundation for the South West on the ‘Building a Stronger Britain Together’ programme. Working in
lives, but also our impact on the organisations we support and the communities they are part of (pages 10-11).
partnership with the Home Office to support work
What we do is achieved thanks to the dedication of
where there is clear evidence of building cohesive
our 55 community panellists who gave 1,110 hours
communities, bringing diverse citizens together,
(148 days!) of their free time to bring their local
promoting pro-integration activities, creating
knowledge, skill and expertise to bear when they
opportunities and helping young people to become
look at and make their recommendations on every
more resilient to the risks of radicalisation.
project. So a huge thank you from me and the
It was the first full year of our new and improved rolling grant programme. It is important to us to be a Funder who welcomes learning and change based on the needs of those we support. So after
The outside section shows the amount given to each theme and the inside section shows the number of beneficiaries.
we are delighted to have funded 74% of the amount
track record of supporting community groups to
We were also proud to be the lead Community
2
FUNDING
Team for giving your time and energy – it is very much appreciated! Lyn Sheppard Programme Manager
Exeter’s total includes £167,193 for the Wellbeing Exeter Programme. South Gloucestershire received £38,896 and Cornwall received £12,956 from the Building a Stronger Britain Together Programme.
3
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
FUNDING
FUNDING
Community Benefit Funds
FUNDING IN ACTION:
Renewable energy and land or property development firms often make charitable investments in the
Diptford residents have been running a computer
communities where they work through community benefit funds. Devon Community Foundation has a
club for years but had been struggling to find the
strong track record of working with developers to ensure these funds are invested effectively and with the
cash to improve their equipment. A grant of £1,384
active involvement of local residents. To discuss how we could work on a community benefit fund with you,
has meant this much needed update can now
contact Scott Walker on 01884 235887 or email scott@devoncf.com.
take place. The funding has helped to purchase a
What are the benefits of delivering a community benefit fund through Devon Community Foundation? n It avoids the need to set up and administer a new charitable trust, but the fund remains ring-fenced solely for the area and purposes agreed
Diptford Community Benefit Fund
laptop and printer and vitally, make the most of the newly available super-fast broadband. This will help the club to run computer skills courses
n We are independent of any particular local interests or organisations and our processes are transparent and objective
for older members of the community, as well as
n We provide a full audit trail and are accountable to the Charity Commission
offering essential internet access for households
n We have a dedicated, experienced senior manager to work with you and the fund panel
who are unable to afford, or access it, themselves.
n Our endowment ensures we will be around for the long term
Already the club has held a number of classes and
n We can recruit and run a community panel to advise on the fund, which can include residents, Parish councillors and local business people as appropriate n We can invest in a wide range of activities, so long as the work being supported is legally charitable n We handle all requests for support and all funding awards. We can make grants, commission projects and partner with other bodies on joint schemes – including loans n Funds can be entirely revenue based, or include an element of endowment building to result in a lasting community asset and a legacy beyond the life of the fund
are looking forward to building their members confidence and bringing the local community even closer together.
“The impact of this support cannot be underestimated, living in a rural village like ours means that many families are left without internet access. This can create huge communication barriers and leave many people with a real lack of confidence when using computers, our club aims to overcome this and the funding from the Foundation is a huge step forward.” Nancy Hill Diptford Computer Club
n We monitor awards, arrange visits to projects and generate publicity for the fund, clearly demonstrating the impact of the funds spent on the community affected
Bring People Together FUNDING IN ACTION: Thorne Farm Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund Long running charity, Holsworthy Rural Community Transport have over 20 volunteers providing door to door transport in this very rural area. £3,000 was invested to support their ring and ride service, helping over 250 isolated older people without their own transport to attend appointments and remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. A local who depends on the charity to help her get to hospital appointments said, “It is a wonderful service and a lifeline when one is so isolated.”
4
“Getting this grant is great news it will help us continue to provide the service to those who are rurally isolated, vulnerable and who depend on the service for social contact and for essential shopping.” Martin Prentice Holsworthy Rural Community Transport
5
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
FUNDING
FUNDING
Building a Stronger Britain Together UK Community Foundations is partnering with
The ‘Building a Stronger Britain Together’
advertising agency M&C Saatchi to deliver over
programme supports civil society and community
£1million in grants as the first part of a major
organisations who work to create more resilient
Home Office initiative to counter extremism.
communities, stand up to extremism in all
Encourage Safety & Resilience FUNDING IN ACTION: Amber Initiatives
forms and offer vulnerable individuals a positive
Plymouth is a vibrant and thriving city, but like
alternative.
any other, there are also pockets of high levels of
society: values that include democracy, free speech,
This programme is a partnership between
deprivation and inequality. In fact 21% of the city’s
mutual respect and opportunity for all. Such
Government and groups and organisations who
children and young people are living in poverty.
freedoms rely on a shared responsibility to respect
want to see extremism defeated. Round 1 of the
Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds
the rights of others to live as they choose. But in
Building a Stronger Britain Together programme
are often more likely to become victims of
recent times we have seen extremists operating at
ran in Autumn 2016 and Devon Community
discrimination, hate crime and racism. These young
unprecedented pace and scale, seeking to divide
Foundation is the lead partner for the South West.
people face one, or more, difficult situations and
In Britain, each one of us is free to live the life we choose thanks to shared values that underpin our
communities and cause great harm.
obstacles in their life which can prevent them from having access to formal and non-formal education,
behaviours. By the end of the project, young people involved will build their awareness and knowledge related to racism and extremism, will develop skills for personal resilience and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem.
active citizenship, empowerment and inclusion in society at large. The combination of economic and social triggers, can serve as catalysts that drive violent behaviour and extremism. Amber Initiatives received £24,658 to run the ‘Challenging Racism Together’ project, educating young people about different forms of racism and extremism while provoking deep thinking about issues regarding race and identity. The project is a partnership approach, tackling discrimination, intolerance, prejudice, and stereotypes in educational settings via interactive workshops, educational events for school communities and youth clubs to build a more positive environment where all young people feel equal, empowered and can actively engage in community life. This will be achieved through a range of activities which encourage community resilience by bringing together diverse citizens to identify social problems and try to solve them. Helping young people to realise that they can change their community and
“I had problems with my classmates, and have been bullied and faced many stressful situations. This activity empowered me and my parents: we understand better the course of actions how to tackle bullying and hate crime. I feel more confident and supported.”
influence society as a whole, ultimately increasing their own and their communities’ resilience while reducing the risks of being drawn into negative
6
7
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
FUNDING
FUNDING
Enable Disabled People
Our Programmes
FUNDING IN ACTION: Plymouth & Devon Schools Sailing Association Individual & Family Donor Funds
Corporate Donor Funds
Collective Donor Funds
Community Benefit Funds
Trust & Foundation Donor Funds
Immediate Impact Funds
physical or mental disabilities. A small group of
Arnold Family
Arbuthnot Latham
adult sailors, with various mobility problems, meet
Devonian (trust transfer)
Chiggy Pig
Aviva
charities. Since 2008 the Trust has chosen to work
each week and are able to take to the water in a
Babeleigh Barton Community Benefit
Clare Milne
experienced the benefits of well run and committed
Blackdown Hills Countryside
closely with Devon and Cornwall Community
specially adapted open sailing boat. The group
Foundations to deliver small grants to effective
received £1,000 towards a lift hoist which enables
charities, with good volunteer support, working
users to control their own descent and lift between
with disabled people.
boat and shore, helping to ensure disabled sailors
The Clare Milne Trust was established in 2002
local schools to access sailing opportunities they
by Clare Milne, who sadly died in 2012, with
are also a RYA “Sailability” Centre, which means
funds derived from her grandfather, A A Milne.
they are able to offer support for sailors who have
Clare herself had a disability and had therefore
Plymouth & Devon Schools Sailing Association are one of the charities that have benefitted from this support. As well as helping young people from
such as Bill, an ex-serviceman, get the most from their sailing time while building their confidence and general wellbeing.
Cooper Family
Eagle One
Devon Ripple
Foot Anstey
Earth to Earth
Kitsons Solicitors
Greg Matthews (legacy)
Philip Milton & Co Plc
Hely-Hutchinson
Police Property
Kate Gurney
“Since the hoist was fitted getting in and out of our sailing boats has become much easier and safer.”
Laurie Conner (legacy) Mildmay-White Mumme Ackford Ray Miles Steve Hindley Family The Brodley Trust Wace Family
Royal Mail Plymouth Drake Foundation South West Water Plymouth Drake Foundation Two Four Group University of Plymouth Plymouth Drake Foundation
Blundell’s School (pupil’s fund) Crimebeat DCF Community Grants Rural Devon
Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm Community Diptford Community Thorne Farm Wind Turbine Community Benefit
Comic Relief Millfields Trust Plymouth Drake Foundation North Devon Flood Relief (trust transfer) Plymouth Drake Foundation Royal British Legion Plymouth Drake Foundation
Devon Flood High Sheriff of Devon Historic Exeter Fire Appeal HSBC ICE Wellbeing Surviving Winter
Throwleigh (trust transfer) Tiverton Educational (trust transfer) Trinity House Plymouth Drake Foundation
Wales & West Western Morning News
8
9
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
OUR IMPACT
IMPACT
127 community organisations funded “We are very grateful for the funding: it is organisations like yours who offer lifelines to small community groups like us.”
58,539 people in need helped “We felt that you really valued what we were doing and this encouraged us to make the project a success. The people we have engaged with have never felt so supported and empowered.”
Greener Ilfracombe Ltd
“The whole experience of working with Devon Community Foundation has been excellent. They are always at the end of the phone or email and positively encourage us to continue our work by visits and feedback.”
Otter Rotters Ltd
“You have made so many hopes and dreams of children and adults come true, and will do for generations to come. Thank you.”
Community Organisations
Veterans Peer Support
“We have been so grateful for your support - right at the beginning of our project. It really helped us to get going in a small way and encouraged us to think about the future development of the project.” Ladies Lounge
People
Princetown FC
“Just thank you for being one of the Good Guys!” Many Directions
Devon Community Foundation
“Working with such a large well known organisation has given recognition and validation of what we do. To have our community group recognised and endorsed is like a big pat on the back.”
81 communities supported “We thank DCF for their kind funding, as without it we could not have set up Read Easy Honiton. The process of obtaining the grant was efficient and painless and was done with great professionalism.” Read Easy Honiton
Torbay Stroke Survivors Computer Group
“We really appreciate the support of DCF and their vast raft of funders, without whom we would not be able to operate.” South Molton and District YMCA
“As ever, the support provided by DCF is timely, professional and helpful. The processes are always clear but there is always the possibility of talking to a real human being who is knowledgeable.” Devon Rape Crisis Service
Communities
“One of the most important things Devon Community Foundation does is develop close working relationships with all the organisations it supports. This approach allows them to truly understand what is happening at grassroot level and support small organisations trying to make a difference within their community. Battling On has found this support invaluable and it is not too strong to say we could not have helped the people we do without them.” Battling On
“We really appreciate working with The Devon Community Foundation, partly because of the funding we have been able to access over the years, but also because of the relationship we have built and the network that DCF has introduced us to. This genuine feeling of partnership makes it very special and is in stark contrast to what we, and other third sector organisations, are currently experiencing, so a really big thank you.” Wings South West
10
11
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
PHILANTHROPY
PHILANTHROPY
Working with Professional Advisors
SCOTT WALKER
My mission is to increase the impact of local
Charitable Trusts
We can help you advise your clients when they
and not just registered charities (for example,
philanthropy for Devon. If you’re feeling inspired
We can also take on existing charitable trusts that
consider philanthropy and charitable giving. As
improving health and wellbeing or access to
by what you have seen, and are looking for a way
are ineffective due to difficulties in identifying
individuals’ understanding of social needs and
learning and improving skills and employability).
to make a difference, there are many ways to get
beneficiaries or attracting new trustees. There are
their role in supporting their community increases,
Clients can change their focus at any time which
involved:
a range of ways we can help, from assisting with
there is growing interest to learn more about
enables them to respond quickly to emerging social
grant making to taking over legal responsibilities for
philanthropy, effective charitable giving and the
need and can be involved as little, or as much as
the trust completely, while those who want to can
options available to them. We have over 20 years’
they like, in the grant making process
still retain an interest. On page 17 you can find out
experience matching donors with causes they
more about the North Devon Relief Fund and how
care about. Our community knowledge and expert
it was transferred to us nearly 60 years after it was
philanthropy advice means we can help your clients
originally created in response to the Lynton and
make the right choices about how, when and what
Lynmouth flood disaster.
to give in line with their wishes and means.
and administer. The administrative and governance
Professional Advisors
Our Work with You
burden on trustees running a charitable trust is ever
Working together we can provide a comprehensive
By working with Devon Community Foundation, you
increasing and, understandably, can be off-putting to
service to help you meet your clients’ charitable
and your clients can benefit in a number of ways:
those who just want to see their giving in action. We
goals and exceed their expectations in terms of the
offer a practical solution, making charitable giving to
range of options available to them. Whether you
local causes stress free, easy and enjoyable. Whether
are a wealth manager, solicitor, accountant, financial
you’re looking to establish a personal fund through
planner, investment advisor or have a specific interest
a lifetime donation or a legacy in your will, or wish to
in the technical aspects of planned giving, the
reduce the administrative burden of an existing trust,
opposite page gives you an idea of how together,
we can work with you to find the best solution. The
combining your expertise with our experience in
n We are impartial – you may be reluctant to
Wace Family Fund (page 14) and the Earth to Earth
advising on philanthropy, we can ensure that your
recommend specific charities to your clients for
Fund (page 16) are two great examples of the power
clients’ charitable giving meets the causes they wish
reasons of impartiality. We do not favour any one
n We are knowledgeable – we have unparalleled
of local philanthropy.
to support.
particular cause or theme
knowledge of local community need and can match
Businesses
Please get in touch to discuss how we might be able
n We are flexible – with a named family fund
We offer similar support to corporate donors
to help you support your communities and target the
(which operates in a similar way to a charitable
(including businesses of all sizes, solicitors,
local issues you care about.
trust), your clients choose the causes they wish to
Individuals and families Community Foundations are an ideal vehicle for philanthropists to put some structure around their giving to achieve maximum impact in their community. Offering a flexible alternative to creating conventional charitable trusts or a foundation, which can prove complicated and costly to set up
their corporate social responsibility into practice.
12
waiting several months or longer to register as a charitable trust n We make giving easy – we promote the fund
and invite applications from community groups, review applications, provide summaries of the projects, check validity and that the charity’s
n We are local – your clients’ funds will be used to
or community group’s project falls within the
support the local community in which they live and
Foundation’s charitable objectives. Eligible projects
work. They can visit projects and see for themselves
are presented to your client for funding decisions,
the positive impact that their charitable giving
we then arrange for the awards to be made and
achieves
undertake monitoring to ensure the money has been spent on the project and to measure the impact it has made
your clients’ interests to specific projects, causes and initiatives
support. Grants can be made to charitable causes
accountants and land agents etc.) who have an interest in the local community and are keen to put
n We are quick and efficient – we can set up
a named fund after one meeting rather than
Scott Walker Development Director
13
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
PHILANTHROPY
PHILANTHROPY
Keep People Safe & Well PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION: Wace Family Fund “When my husband sold his business, we knew we
Pete’s Dragons
wanted to set up some kind of charitable fund or
In 2015, after her 24 year old brother took his own life
foundation. My job as a journalist specialising in
Alison set up Pete’s Dragons, a suicide bereavement
health-related issues had highlighted for me the
support service based in East Devon. From
shortcomings in mental health services for young
experience of feeling the impact of his loss every
people, so that was an area we wanted to focus
single day, Alison was adamant that she did not want
on. We heard about DCF and, after a chat with
anyone to have to face this experience alone.
Development Director Scott, we realised it was a pretty perfect fit for us.
Timeline:
Sadly suicide rates are increasing, every year around
July 2015 Meeting to discuss how setting up a
90 people in Devon take their own lives, and with
family fund with DCF might work
The Foundation has contacts with thousands of
those who’ve lost a loved one to suicide being
groups doing amazing work in communities across
much more likely to be suicidal themselves, this vital
Devon. The team deals with the admin so we don’t
support is needed more than ever. The Wace Family
have to, for example taking care of the legal side
Fund invested £2,000 to help Pete’s Dragons provide
of setting up a charitable fund, and checking out
essential support for nearly 100 people suffering from
the credentials of grant applicants. It’s also a really
bereavement helping to build emotional resilience
December 2015 We set up our family fund and
efficient and cost-effective way of giving, ensuring as
going forward.
within weeks we were approving our first grant
September 2015 Introduced to two current donors who explained how they’d been able to support the local causes close to their hearts, by setting up funds through DCF
much money as possible gets to those who need it.
applications
Setting up a family fund means we can make
March 2016 Able to see the impact of the first
decisions about the projects we want to support
grants our fund made
with our children. I’ve loved having the chance to visit some of the groups we’ve funded: for example a project that offers young people struggling with mental health problems, a safe and sociable haven and the chance to learn new skills; a group that builds confidence and resilience in troubled youngsters by teaching them how to handle and care for horses. It’s been a privilege to meet the dynamic and inspiring individuals behind the projects, and to see the difference even a modest grant can make to the lives of youngsters who’ve had a tough start in life or
“As a family, we’re just pleased to have found a way we can help”.
“Pete’s Dragons have filled in all the gaps for me and my girls. The support we have had has literally been life changing. I have hope in a hopeless situation.”
who’ve run into trouble.”
14
15
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
PHILANTHROPY
PHILANTHROPY
Promote Access to Arts, Culture & Nature
Offer Training & Work Opportunities
PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION:
PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION:
Earth to Earth Fund
North Devon Relief Fund
“It’s been said that charity may begin at home but
projects. One thing I recall from the early days of
The North Devon and Somerset Relief Fund was set
already competitive work market can lead to limited
doesn’t have to end there, and though much of
my philanthropy, with The Funding Network, is
up in 1952 with over £1.25 million raised by the public
employment prospects, often having a negative
my philanthropy has been directed overseas, I now
that giving is, typically, one of the few things we
following the Lynton and Lynmouth flood disaster,
effect on wellbeing.
readily acknowledge the importance of always
humans do alone. Yet it’s so much more rewarding
where after a day of torrential rain 34 people lost
beginning social change at home.
in community, whether that be with other donors,
their lives. Hundreds of people were left homeless,
the fantastic DCF staff or the stars of the show - the
those with houses were without water, gas or
change makers on the ground.”
electricity. Boats in the harbour were washed out to
Whilst home is ultimately ourselves and how we relate to the world, DCF offered a great platform to effect change in my home county. We set up the Earth to Earth Fund to reflect not only my keen interest in environmental issues but also my belief that all wealth springs ultimately from the Earth and
“I like imagining the people finding out that they’ve secured funding, feeling that somebody cares about them.”
that the most just and creative thing is for it to be reinvested back into community, at whatever scale. In recent years it’s been wonderful to be joined by my wife Jen in this pursuit, someone whose natural wisdom and sense of Earth connection far surpass my own. The grant process is always humbling and inspiring, we learn a lot and appreciate the opportunities for a direct relationship with beneficiary
sea and four main road bridges were swept away.
Jigsaw is a furniture restoration project offering a working environment with structure, support and meaningful occupation for vulnerable and isolated people. The North Devon Relief Fund gave a grant of £853 to support volunteers by providing the
Hundreds of grants were awarded to help local
opportunity to upskill and gain qualifications helping
people rebuild their communities with new social
to secure paid employment, as well as improving their
and recreational facilities, as well as supporting
wellbeing and life prospects.
environmental measures to prevent further flooding. Moor Trees
In 2008, the trustees of the original fund decided to
It is often said that people have become
transfer the remaining assets to Devon and Somerset
disconnected from the natural environment. Even in
Community Foundations so that it could continue
relatively rural areas, knowledge and understanding
to support educational, social and environmental
of the countryside can be lacking. The proportion
projects for disadvantaged local people with small
of the population involved in farming and managing
grants forever.
the land is at an all-time low – with fewer than 3.3% of residents in Devon linked to the agriculture and forestry industries.
Jigsaw Furniture Project Having life skills is an essential part of being able to meet the challenges of everyday life, helping to
Moor Trees in South Hams aims to provide
build confidence and raise aspirations, but many
opportunities for local people and communities to
people are unable to access the opportunities to help
bridge that gap between urban and village life and
them learn new skills. A lack of qualifications in an
the surrounding countryside. Their volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, including individuals with learning difficulties, students, young unemployed and retired seniors. They received £2,000 from the Earth to Earth Fund to help train volunteers in techniques to restore and re-create broadleaf woodland, helping to increase employability skills
“I do not know where I would be if it was not for Jigsaw, as I have depression. Jigsaw is somewhere I can come and forget. I owe them a big thank you for all that they have done for me.”
and prevent isolation.
16
17
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
FINANCIAL
FINANCIAL
260% endowment growth over last 5 years
Facts & Figures
How do we use our money differently?
THERESA WHITE
As a Community Foundation building endowment is a key strategy for growth, providing a resource for the people of Devon, for now and for the
Summary of last Audited Accounts 15-16
into our local communities £10.7m over last 20 years
Summary of Accounts
future. Donors who invest in endowment have
Total Grant Making
£401,615
the pleasure of knowing their gift will continue to
Total Income
£878,427
we don’t know what challenges local people will
Endowment at 31st March 2016*
£6,637,177
be facing, but we know there will be some financial
Grants Awarded 2015-16
176
Income Grants Programmes
£274,751
Income Other
£603,676
transform lives year on year. 100 years from now
support to help meet them. Our endowment has been invested with three fund managers since 2011, Smith and Williamson Investment Services Limited, CCLA Investment
Cost of generating voluntary income £123,904
Management Limited and Ruffer Investment
Administration of grant making and governance
Company Limited. We have a dedicated lead trustee with a wealth of experience overseeing the performance which over recent years, despite a turbulent economic climate, has been good. We always aspire to protect the capital value of the endowment funds in line with inflation and then to distribute funds. However, investment is a long-term
£133,701
If you would like to request a full set of accounts,
£6.6m
£1
in endowment thanks to kind donations
spent generates £6 to help local people in need
80%
3%
80% of charitable income across the UK goes to only 3% of charities (those with a turnover of over £1m)
82%
£16,600 given through generous
volunteer’s time every year
please call us on 01884 235887 or email info@devoncf.com or visit www.devoncf.com
£50,000 cost savings on investment fees over 5 years (approx.)
BUT 82% of our grants in 2016 were made to organisations with an income of less than £100k (70% to organisations with a turnover of less than £50k)
*Consolidated accounts including other assets
proposition and we are acutely aware that it is our job to put funds to work and so, sometimes, we make the decision to access additional endowed funds to keep the good work going. We never forget that we are merely guardians of the vital charitable funds that make all the work
43%
you have seen in these pages possible, many of which have received funding thanks to the good investment returns on our endowment funds. Theresa White Finance Manager
18
46% of all charities are in rural areas but receive just 27% of charitable income BUT 43% of our total grant distribution goes to rural groups
19
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
NURTURING COMMUNITIES
Wellbeing Exeter Devon’s population is expanding and ageing,
To do this we are working in two
increasing the overall burden on health services.
ways, the first being Social Prescribing
Put simply, as a population we’re living longer but spending more years in ill-health. In addition there is little, if any, decrease in inequalities, with people in
MARTHA WILKINSON
NURTURING COMMUNITIES
poorer areas living shorter lives and experiencing a greater burden of ill health and disease.
This focuses on individuals, where a network of Community Connectors, linked to nine GP surgeries in Exeter, coach and support individuals to identify what matters to them and how they might be able to have enriched lives within their communities to bring about
For over two decades we’ve been gathering in
with others, to demonstrate the critical importance of
depth knowledge of the problems and aspirations
local groups and donors in creating and maintaining
of our communities which we use to develop and
Thriving Communities. We know that in our region
deliver our strategy of maintaining and building
we’re blessed with a passionate network of experts
upon a critical mass of small local organisations,
and innovators, who recognise the value of early
often referred to as a ‘lifeline’ by vulnerable people
intervention, prevention and joined-up approaches to
Devon Community Foundation is the Sector Lead
needing help.
seemingly entrenched disadvantage but if that was
and Programme Manager for this project alongside
easy – we wouldn’t be needed. Collaboration and
partners from local government, social care, the NHS
The second area of work for Wellbeing Exeter is
partnership are hard to do. Innovation carries risk and
and a range of voluntary sector organisations to find
Community Building
is, of course, intrinsically breaking new ground. And
a solution that benefits individuals, communities,
trust takes time to build.
and public services. This partnership aims to find
We believe DCF is the largest independent grant maker in the county and as such we have a responsibility to take a leadership role as champions of the groups, beneficiaries, donors and communities we serve. But we neither want to, nor do, work in a
As a result we and our partners are often unsure
vacuum. Partnerships and collaborations are vital
about where the journey will lead us, but we could
to our success in our core objective of facilitating
not be more sure that we all need to find ways that
change in Devon.
we can be more effective together than apart. The
We’re only able to do this because of the large network of relationships we’ve established over the years with the wealth of organisations, groups and individuals working here. We share a mutual interest and passion for making things better for our communities and we use our grass-roots awareness and up-to-date research to inform our role as broker and community leader, not only giving informed advice to philanthropists and other funders, but also encouraging a strategic approach that cuts across all sectors and makes the most of increasingly scarce resources. We continue to be involved in partnerships to help close the gap between the private, public and voluntary sectors and we welcome working closely
20
projects we are involved with place communities and local people at the heart of the solutions, finding new ways of working and not simply as consumers of services. We want to share our own knowledge and combine it with that of our partners and others in a productive and transparent way: what we cannot achieve alone, comes within reach when we work together. This is perfectly illustrated by Wellbeing Exeter (page 21) and the Historic Exeter Fire Appeal (page 22) and, of course, the celebration of our 20 years of giving more locally (page 26-27). Martha Wilkinson Chief Executive
The pressure on our GPs is huge, and while a fifth
improved wellbeing. GPs refer anyone they are seeing
of their time is spent dealing with patients’ social
who they believe would benefit from increased social
problems (such as debt, isolation, housing, and
interaction within their community. These individuals
employment) they can do little to address these needs.
are then supported to make a plan to achieve the
new ways of working to reduce the needless call on professional health services, integrates health with social care and community, and improves wellbeing for individuals.
“We need to empower general practice by breaking down the barriers with other sectors, whether social care, community care or mental health providers, so that social prescribing becomes as normal a part of your job as medical prescribing is today.”
social activities they seek and enjoy, by connecting with like-minded people in their neighbourhood.
This provides five Community Builders in neighbourhoods across the City to gain a better understanding of how communities can do more to help themselves, and create thriving and welcoming places where everyone has an opportunity to access the kind of activities described above. If we are encouraging people to build a life on a local level, we need to be sure that we can support communities to be able to offer this. We envision a future where local services will be arranged on an individual basis; providing preventive care and support, designed and delivered in partnership within the communities where people live. Services will be connected, deliver quality outcomes and use resources efficiently and effectively. The answer is Wellbeing Exeter and it’s happening right now.
“I came in looking for painkillers and I left full of hope.”
21
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
NURTURING COMMUNITIES
Historic Exeter Fire Appeal
Assist Families in Need
Collective philanthropy provides donors with
“This is the official fund to help people and businesses in need and the future restoration of the buildings as a result of the fire. Those wishing to help can be sure that the funds will be handled properly by this experienced charity.”
COMMUNITY IN ACTION:
Karime Hassan Exeter City Council Chief Executive
the opportunity to pool their resources under a common cause, theme or geographic area. At the end of October 2016 a devastating fire destroyed the oldest hotel in the UK: the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter. The largest fire seen in Exeter since the Second World War, it shocked and saddened local residents who began looking for a way to help support staff employed by affected businesses as well
NURTURING COMMUNITIES
Historic Exeter Fire Appeal One of the beneficiaries of the Historic Exeter Fire
in at such short notice, the family desperately
Appeal worked at the Royal Clarence. Losing her
needed money to pay their rent. The Historic Exeter
job, just as her husband was made redundant from
Fire Appeal awarded £1,700, a month’s salary, to
his, hit the family hard. Although she was applying
help cover her rent and usual expenses until her
for jobs and in the process of claiming benefits, with
husband’s new job started and she was able to
an eight year old daughter and no money coming
find employment.
as the recovery and restoration of the historic area. Exeter City Council and Exeter CVS knew they needed an organisation that could put a safe pair of hands around the local community’s generosity, and knowing Devon Community Foundation’s successful track record to emergency response after the 2014 Winter Floods, were quick to ask for DCF’s involvement. The Foundation set up the Historic Exeter Fire Appeal immediately and were inundated with donations within a couple of hours. The fund, which raised over
“This has been an awful experience for Exeter and I am deeply saddened. However the community spirit was inspirational and this fund gives us all a chance to keep that spirit going to support recovery.” Robert Atwell Bishop of Exeter
“The appeal award came at a time when my husband and I had been made redundant on the same day. With a family to support we rapidly became two months behind on our rent and car payments, leaving us in real danger of losing our home and car. This appeal has meant that we have been able to keep a roof over our head and our daughter safe and secure. We are so unbelievably grateful for the assistance. This appeal saved us, our home and kept our family together and the relief when the award was granted is immeasurable. You have given us an incredible gift, thank you.”
£25,000 in total, has already helped individuals and small businesses to the tune of around £22,000 thanks to support from Exeter CAB. Helping people to give
“Thank you Exeter residents for giving more
more locally is what Devon Community Foundation
locally and raising an amazing amount of
does best, so after responding to the individuals and
money for the Historic Exeter Fire Appeal.
businesses facing financial hardship as a result of the fire, it was important to the Foundation that they gave
We are very impressed and proud to have
the local community a chance to say how they would
been able to support those who need it
like the funds used.
most. Assisting people whose income
Thanks to support from Exeter Express & Echo and
plummeted either temporarily, whilst the
Radio Exe, the Foundation consulted with the public
cordons were in place, or permanently
and those who donated to decide what to do with the remaining funds. The overwhelming response was to fund a cultural tribute representing the historical significance of buildings involved, which will be
requiring them to find a new job.” MARTHA WILKINSON Devon Community Foundation Chief Executive
progressed once the final grants have been made.
donated to
£25,200 Historic Exeter Fire Appeal
22
grants given to
£22,472 individuals and businesses
23
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
NURTURING COMMUNITIES
Develop Life Skills
Help People to Find & Keep a Home
COMMUNITY IN ACTION:
COMMUNITY IN ACTION:
Ready Steady Read
So-Fly CIC
Ready Steady Read is a literacy project organised by the Rotary Club of Tiverton, for three local schools, helping children aged 5-6 to reach the required reading level for their age or above. They aim to increase confidence in all educational areas and reduce the number of pupils who leave school unable to read. A grant of £6,750 was given from the
“We just wanted to say a huge thank you for giving our granddaughter this opportunity that will obviously set her up for the rest of her school career. What a wonderful idea!”
There are many disadvantaged young people living within our county, these vulnerable young people are often at risk of sofa surfing or street homelessness. In 2015-16, 219 young people aged 16-25, made homeless applications to Torbay City Council. Lacking safe and secure accommodation was clearly having a detrimental impact on many
Tiverton Educational Fund (created 150 years ago!)
aspects of their lives, sometimes leading to drug
for one to one support, developing essential life skills
and alcohol abuse or mental health issues.
and raising aspirations.
NURTURING COMMUNITIES
One vital way of supporting those in need can be to reduce the amount of time they are in crisis, helping to prevent their lives becoming even more chaotic. This can be achieved by rebuilding relationships or finding safe accommodation. £2,000 was invested in So-Fly CIC, to provide a support service offering long term solutions for some of the most vulnerable young people in Torbay. Over the last few months the project has worked with over 20 young people facing some form of homelessness, working with each individual to address their specific needs.
“This is just a quick thank you to the man who saved my life, who got me the help I needed when I was living on the streets and found me a place to live, made sure I had enough food and constantly checked up on me to see how I was.”
24
25
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
Celebrating 20 years of giving
20 YEARS OF GIVING
Thanks to generous people giving more locally we hold over 50 different funds and have an endowment of £6.6 million to support the people of Devon forever. To date, these generous donors have enabled us to award grants of more than £10.7 million to over 3,600 community projects.
How we began... A feasibility study concluded that there was a need in Devon to ‘obtain new resources for the Voluntary Sector and…to give added value by enabling limited local resources to be used more effectively.’ And the name of this new resource should be Devon Community Foundation. We are forever grateful that The Amory Trust was the first to give the Foundation core funding support of £15,000 over three years.
Sam Hannaford
First recorded grant £300 to Horizons Plymouth “Every year Horizons offers opportunities to hundreds of youngsters from all backgrounds and capabilities to get on the water and experience something which some people would never of thought to try.” Sam Hannaford speaking at Devon Community Foundation’s 20th Birthday celebration at Exeter Cathedral on 10th September 2016.
Royal visit Welcomed HRH, the Earl of Wessex to North Devon to show him some of the community groups and projects supported. The first, the Cow Green Eco Garden was given a grant of £5,335 to run a course helping long term unemployed people and those with learning disabilities and mental health problems, to learn new skills and build selfesteem through gardening.
HRH, the Earl of Wessex
1994
1999
2008
“I joined the Foundation in April 1996 when it consisted of just a feasibility study, a box of paper work and an enthusiastic steering group.”
2009 2010
Hard work pays off After years of hard work, local giving took off and our endowment reached the £1m mark and from there the donations continued! In just a year we doubled our endowment from £823,000 to £1,800,000! Six years later and our endowment now stands at £6.6 million!
2013 2014
Reaching milestones A busy couple of years, becoming BBC Radio Devon Charity of the Year in 2013 followed by Devon County Show Charity of the Year in 2014. We were awarded South West Impact Leader Award in 2014 and celebrated our first £1m fund!
2016 And that’s just the start… We look forward to working with you all and seeing what the next 20 years will bring.
Our logo over the last 20 years
Alex Sanders, Previous DCF Director
26
27
Devon Community Foundation | OUR YEAR 2016
OUR PEOPLE President HM Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Mr David Fursdon Patrons Sir Ian Amory DL; Lady Arran DL MBE; Sir Eric Dancer KCVO CBE JP FRSA Chairman Steve Hindley CBE DL Vice Chairman Nigel Arnold Trustees
Martha Wilkinson
Sarah Yelland
Scott Walker
Theresa White
Laura Hewitt
Lyn Sheppard
Gillian Francis
Claire Lavery
Jo Hunt
Nicola Frost
Christine Allison Bishop Robert Atwell Ed Burnand Jeremy Colson James Cross Caroline Harlow Peter Holden Caroline Marks Sally Wace Stewart Wallis Many thanks to those trustees who stood down in 2016: Robin Barlow and John Glasby Staff Martha Wilkinson: Chief Executive Sarah Yelland: Deputy Chief Executive Scott Walker: Development Director Theresa White: Finance Manager Laura Hewitt: Marketing Manager Lyn Sheppard: Programme Manager Gillian Francis: Administrator Claire Lavery: Grants Administrator Jo Hunt: Fund Administrator Nicola Frost: Knowledge Guru
28
29
Devon Community Foundation
OUR YEAR | 2016
Join the conversation Get involved and have your say tweet to
@devoncf watch and subscribe to Devon Community Foundation on
www.youtube.com find out more at
www.devoncf.com send an email to
info@devoncf.com send a letter to Devon Community Foundation, The Factory, Leat Street, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 5LL call us on 01884 235887 we’d love to talk more about the Foundation with you
Give more locally today! make a donation online at
www.justgiving.com/devoncf speak to our team about leaving a gift in your will call us on 01884 235887 or email info@devoncf.com
A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, Company No: 03236918 Charity No: 1057923