Wiltshire Community Foundation wins prestigious award

On Friday 19 March, we were honoured to receive the Pride of Wiltshire Award at a Zoom ceremony for the prestigious Wiltshire Life Awards. The honour was given to the foundation for the support we have given the county throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Announcing the award on behalf of Wiltshire Life Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Troughton said: “This year’s winner operates from the very heart of the county in Devizes not only in terms of where it is but also because of the work and support it offers to charities and organisations across the length and breadth of Wilshire.

“In response to the need created by the pandemic the foundation launched the Wiltshire and Swindon Coronavirus Response Appeal to provide immediate relief to vulnerable local people through the amazing network of small grassroots groups operating across the county. Thanks to the generosity of local people and companies and the National Emergencies Trust the foundation has been able to award £1.1million through 265 grants. Money is not always the only solution; the charity’s grants team has also provided hundreds of hours of advice and guidance especially to the new groups formed quickly.

“The fundraising continues as does the ongoing support and encouragement. The vision of Wiltshire Community Foundation is simple: to see more people thriving across Wiltshire and Swindon and they continue to strive towards this with bravery, honesty, collaboration and most of all kindness.”

Commenting on the award our Chief Executive Fiona Oliver said: “We are extremely humbled to have received the 2021 Pride of Wiltshire Award. This last year has been incredibly challenging for everyone and I am proud of the way the foundation has been able to adapt, innovate and collaborate to support communities throughout Wiltshire and Swindon at this most unprecedented time. However, we have only been able to do this due to the incredible support we have received from our generous donors and because of the commitment, passion and dedication of the wonderful charities and community groups who work so hard to help vulnerable people across the county. We share this award with them as they are truly the pride of Wiltshire.”

More information on our Covid-19 response is available here