DURHAM University and County Durham Community Foundation are joining forces to support 13 good causes in the first year of a supported giving scheme.
The Durham University Community Fund (DUCF) was launched in October 2017 to provide grants to charities and non-profit organisations that University staff and students already support through volunteering.
In the first year of the project, giving from University staff, either made through payroll giving or raised through fundraising events, will be matched by the University up to a maximum of £10,000 and by County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) , which manages the Fund, up to a maximum of £8,000.
Each cause will receive an equal share of the Fund total for 2018, which will be announced in October.
Chosen charities
The causes that will benefit in the first year of the Fund, as decided by a vote of University staff, will be:
Children and Young People category: 234 (City of Durham Squadron) Air Training Corps , Carers Trust Tyne and Wear , Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.
Animal Welfare: Ark on the Edge , Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter , Stray Aid.
Health and Ageing: Bloodwise , Northumbria Blood Bikes , The Loop.
Social: Durham Foodbank , A Way Out Charity , SHAID , Veterans at Ease.
Supporting good causes
Professor Stuart Corbridge, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “Durham University staff and students make a fantastic contribution to a wide range of local causes and charities, dedicating around 25,000 hours every year.
“As a University we fully support this endeavour, including allowing staff to volunteer for up to five days a year in work time.
“We set up the Durham University Community Fund to help our staff make an even bigger difference.
“We are very pleased to be match-funding staff donations up to a £10,000 in the first year of the Fund, and we are very grateful to County Durham Community Foundation both for managing the Durham University Community Fund and match-funding donations up to a maximum of £8,000.
“The causes that will benefit in the first year of the Fund have been chosen following a staff vote, and I congratulate all of them on their being supported in this way.”
’Great to hear’, ’Means a lot’
Kevin Howe, Chief Executive Officer of SHAID, said: “It’s great to hear that the University has recognised and voted for SHAID under the social banner of the Community Fund.”
Kelly Smith, Durham Foodbank Manager, said: “This means a lot to us. We are a charity reliant on the financial support we receive, so this is very gratefully received.”
