Over the past 12 months we have awarded grants to 14 groups and charities working with children and young people thanks to funds from Devon-based clothing wholesaler, PenCarrie.
The company donated just over £40,000 to Devon Community Foundation to be distributed to organisations with a focus on youth mental health and early years.
The grants were awarded through our Small Grants application process, through which new and/or small scale organisations were able to apply for up to £5,000 for work that strengthens communities and tackles inequalities.
Evolve Music is one of the funded groups. The charity offers inclusive music activities for young people in the South West. It was awarded £5,000 for its Sound Explorers programme, which provide hands-on music opportunities for young children and their families in Teignbridge and Torbay.
Annette Burghes, Evolve Music’s Executive Director, said: “Funding from PenCarrie has been instrumental in supporting Evolve Music’s Sound Explorers programme in Devon over the past three months.”
She explained that the programme uses musical participation and musical play to improve outcomes for all children, particularly those with additional needs. With the support of the grant Sound Explorers has:
Community Counselling CIC received a grant of £4,950 to provide free and subsidised counselling to children and young people. The grant has enabled the CIC to support children and young people who may otherwise be unable to access appropriate mental health support. This can be because they are not eligible to access statutory services and/or cannot afford to access services privately.
Community Counselling also offers outreach support in schools and community organisations, and telephone or video-call counselling where preferred.
Andrea Charteris, Head of Responsibility and Community at PenCarrie, said: “We chose to give through Devon Community Foundation because of the wonderful work they enable through their known network of grassroots community groups.
“Thanks to their knowledge of the area and the challenges being faced, along with being able to identify those causes that best aligned with our priorities, we felt confident that the funds would achieve the best results and have real impact for the projects and organisations with the most need in our local community.”
Laura Cameron Long, Head of Development and Philanthropy at Devon Community Foundation, said: “Our knowledge of the charitable and voluntary sector in Devon means we can ensure this funding reaches groups that align with PenCarrie’s priorities, and are making a real difference in their communities. And by matching PenCarrie’s money with funds from other donors we are able to make it go even further.”
If you want to make a positive difference in Devon we can work with you to make sure your money reaches the communities where it will have the most impact. Laura is always happy to have a chat about the different ways to give. You can get in touch via lcameronlong@devoncf.com or on 01884 906 685.
