The Ross Gazette has teamed up with the Herefordshire Community Foundation to seek out good causes in need of funds. 

We want to hear from anyone doing work that benefits the community in Herefordshire. 

The Herefordshire Community Foundation has distributed more than £3,000,000 to thousands of organisations in the county since it started in 2003.   It works to match donors with communities that need most help. 

Constituted community groups can apply even if they are not a registered charity, as long as they can provide recent accounts, detail of their activities and how much they have raised. The foundation is particularly interested to hear from groups who deal with rural isolation and disadvantage who have never applied for a grant before.  

 Recently the Foundation has helped the Ross Mens Shed.  Its primary objective is the alleviation of loneliness and isolation among elderly and retired men over 55 years in the local community and surrounding area. The concept was initially started in Australia and has now spread throughout the western world.

The Basement Youth Trust in Ross aims to improve the quality of life of local young people.  They have been in continuous existence since 1995 and regularly record 150 – 180 young people using their services in a typical year.  The Community Foundation gave them a grant to continue their secure, informal, drop-in venue for anyone aged 11 to 19 which is safe, free of alcohol, drugs and bullying, with support from paid staff and volunteers. 

Last summer, through social media, Herefordshire Young Carers were put in touch with the Community Foundation and received a grant to help with their running costs until they can secure more funding.  They run fortnightly classes for young carers to meet each other focusing on self-esteem, stress and anxiety.  

 For more details and to apply for a grant visit www.herefordshirecf.org or telephone 01432 272550 mentioning the Ross Gazette.