Businesses in Didcot will now be able to apply for a new grant thanks to a new Fund launched this month.
The Didcot Powerhouse Fund has been described as a “force for positive change” in the Didcot Garden Town Area of Influence.
The Fund will use donations coming from companies, grant bodies and philanthropists to dispense grants to sustain organisations working on the ground in the Didcot community.
Its 2022 theme is ‘Supporting children, young people and families as we emerge from a pandemic’.
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According to a spokesperson, this funding will help deliver more and better community services, therefore, helping to address inequalities that exist in the town.
At The Key Stakeholder Information Event hosted by MEPC Milton Park last week, November 10, Lord Ed Vaizey of Didcot announced having raised over £21,350 including Gift Aid for the Fund, from running the recent London Marathon.
This contributes a fundraising total raised of over £100,789, derived from corporate sponsors, local businesses, and pledges, for the next 2 years.
Lord Vaizey said: “We need more donors and to work as a collective force if we are to ensure the Fund can sustain the Didcot community into the future, to provide grant applicants with the money they need to deliver hope to many more people.”
The event was attended by 60 people from local businesses and donors, including speakers such as MP David Johnston; Didcot Mayor Mocky Khan; Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Elizabeth Paris and other key members of the local community.
Elizabeth Paris, Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and a member of the founding body, said: “The Didcot Powerhouse Fund has received a groundswell of support from Milton Park, Harwell Campus, Culham Science Centre, Evotec, Hachette Distribution, Ipsen, and Soha, as well as individuals who are dedicated to making a difference locally.
“This extraordinary energy, driven by visible need, has lifted the project off the ground.”
The Fund was founded by Didcot First, key local employers, professionals and volunteers and is administered by registered charity, Oxfordshire Community Foundation.
Grant applications will open in 2022.
Businesses in Didcot will be able to find out more at an information event, hosted by the Didcot Chamber of Commerce, on January 26, 2022.
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