Our charitable fund, Guildford Philanthropy has now raised an amazing £1million to support our local community.
We founded Guildford Philanthropy with the Community Foundation for Surrey in 2014. It exists to support charities and not-for-profit organisation that help transform the lives of less advantaged members of the community. It has grown steadily through donor support and by taking Guildford Young Carers and Carers Support Guildford under its wing.
Chairman of Guildford Philanthropy, Peter Cluff said: “This is a magnificent milestone. We are proud of everything we have achieved to date but there are still so many more people that we want to help. The £1million raised has come from so many generous donations. We are humbled by the support that we have received. This would not have been possible without our brilliant Corporate Ambassadors and donors. Also, thanks to Guildford Borough Council who match-fund all donations. We are extremely grateful to everyone.
He continues: “If you are a local business and would like to support local people, you can become one of our Corporate Ambassadors. Ambassadors have let us know that working with us has supported their Corporate Social Responsibility programme as well as providing fantastic networking opportunities at our events. It could also raise your profile locally.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Joss Bigmore said: “Helping our residents, especially those who have less opportunity than others, is at the heart of everything we do as a Council. We really value the great work that Guildford Philanthropy has done and continues to do for our communities. Their work before and throughout the pandemic has been incredible.”
Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Julia McShane said: “As a Council, we are here to support our residents. We are pleased that we can help residents by match funding donations made to Guildford Philanthropy. From supporting those in need by providing hot meals to work experience opportunities, this charity has done great work for our less advantaged residents.
“Our Community Lottery also contributes to Guildford Philanthropy and has raised almost £25,000. If you are a local not-for-profit organisation, our weekly Community Lottery can also help you raise money. 50% of all ticket sales go straight to a local good cause, with another 10% going to Guildford Philanthropy. It’s all online and easy to set up. You’ll get your own fundraising page, online marketing materials and marketing support all for free. Sign up at www.guildfordlottery.org.“
Rebecca Bowden, Chief Executive of Community Foundation for Surrey said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to congratulate everyone involved in Guildford Philanthropy for their sterling work in raising £1million for good causes in the borough. Our network of funds across the county is so important to help connect those who are able to give with those who most need support in our area, and we know that it is the local knowledge and expertise of groups like Guildford Philanthropy that are so invaluable to us to make sure that every penny raised makes the most possible difference to those who need it most. We thank everyone involved for all their hard work – Together we can make a difference!”
Misty Bower, CEO of the Matrix Trust said: “Matrix have been really blessed by the support we have received from Peter Cluff and Guildford Philanthropy over the last few years. Not only have they helped us to source vital funding, but Peter has helped us develop valuable connections with the University of Surrey and local businesses, both of which have enabled us to launch a social enterprise, The Hideaway Café. Here we support at-risk young people into employment, giving them on-the-job experience and training whilst providing the community with a creative retreat in the heart of Guildford where they can give back to the community.”
If you would like to help, you can donate online. You can also get involved in individual projects or provide expertise by emailing info@guildfordphilanthropy.