Charity in race against time to secure major funding (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Charity in race against time to secure major funding

1:01pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

A CHARITY that has helped community projects across North Yorkshire is racing against time to avoid missing out on a windfall of more than £190,000.

The Two Ridings Community Foundation has to raise £386,000 by the end of March to trigger a match-funding pay-out from the Government.

The charity has distributed grants of more than £5m since its launch in 2001, supporting a range of community projects from helping the elderly stay warm and healthy to funding projects to help young people and the disabled.

But now they are struggling to meet targets for the Government-funded Community First Challenge.

Chair Philip Ingham said if they do not manage to raise the funds they would miss out on money that should be supporting the people of North Yorkshire.

“It seems an awful shame that it might go unclaimed when it could be spent supporting creative, inclusive, caring and enriching projects across England’s largest county.”

He said £40,000 had been raised so far but other donors were holding back because of the economic climate – even though the country’s financial situation meant small charities and community groups needed support more than ever.

“They, and their beneficiaries, suffer disproportionately from cuts and difficult circumstances,” he said.

“So we are appealing to businesses, families, individuals and groups that want to help their community, to claim this cash incentive and the tax benefits too.”

The Government has pledged to contribute £1 for every £2 donated to the Two Ridings Community Foundation to encourage both businesses and individuals to make charitable donations in their area.

For details visit trcf.org.uk or contact the foundation on 01759-377400 or at office@trcf.org.uk