New year, new you?
If you’re determined to make 2023 count but need some support to overcome barriers which are holding you back, our Irwell Valley Foundation might be able to help.
The Foundation is our charitable investment fund which can provide financial grants to Irwell Valley Homes customers across the communities we serve.
We can help with:
- support into employment, education and training
- launching a new business
- improving health and wellbeing
- reducing loneliness
Last year we have funded 33 projects and supported 19 community group projects with nearly £40,000 in grants to move forward in life. Customers like Misturah, who is now studying a degree in neurosciences at university. She applied to the Foundation for funding for a laptop to help her whilst studying for her A-levels in Tameside and said receiving the grant had made such a difference.
“Before, having to share with my brothers meant arguments over who hadn’t charged the laptop when they’d finished with it; whose work was more important; and worst of all, who deleted my essay!” she said.
“Having my own laptop made a huge difference – I had access to everything I needed without having to wait for someone else.
“I would 100% recommend applying to the Foundation to anyone facing similar challenges. It’s a great scheme that provides that help when you least expect it - with the most lovely and understanding people behind it.”
In the current climate of rising living costs, we’re also keen to support community groups and projects operating in the neighbourhoods where we have homes.
We’ve recently provided funding to the Trafford Veterans Warm Room project, which offers a warm space every Friday where people can enjoy a chat over a hot drink or bowl of soup.
And last year we supported Radcliffe Community Market with funding to buy new heating panels.
Manager Trisha Jackson Evans said: “We’re extremely grateful for this funding which enabled us to offer a safe, warm building to accommodate community groups - some of which support vulnerable members.”
Maria Garnett, Community Investment Manager at Irwell Valley Homes, encouraged people to think about how the Foundation might be able support them or their community group over the next 12 months.
She said: “The Foundation has a long history of supporting people, improving places, and bringing communities together in the neighbourhoods we serve across Greater Manchester. So, whether it’s help to pay for a new training course, support with the start-up costs of a new business, or funding to boost a community group tackling the challenges of the rising cost of living, we’d love to hear from you and see how the Foundation might be able to help.”
To read more about the eligibility criteria before applying and to find out more about how to apply, click here.
For information about personal grants for customers click here.
Click here for details about community grants for organisations and community groups.