12 Days of Charity

Wiltshire Community Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to tackling disadvantage and strengthening local communities by inspiring local philanthropy and supporting the voluntary sector. Due to the generosity of local people giving through us, we have grown into one of the largest grant-giving organisations in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Each year we award over £1 million through hundreds of grants to grassroots voluntary and community groups doing vital work in their neighbourhoods. Our education grants also give young people the chance to improve their development, learning and future employment prospects.

We carry out research into local need to ensure our support is targeted where it is needed most. By tackling the most pressing local issues we can help build stronger communities. As well as financial support we organise events, training and advice sessions to help the voluntary and community sector build their skills, capacity, knowledge and networks.

We believe that to meet the long-term needs of our community, we need resources with longevity so we have a range of ways that people can give. Our giving options are tailored to suit donors’ motivations and are effective whether they want to make an immediate impact – or a difference for years to come. Many of our donors have set up funds for the long-term, recognising that pooling their assets achieves more. These funds are invested and each year the returns they generate are made available for grant-making.

Since the Foundation was established in 1975, more than £18 million has been awarded in grants in Wiltshire and Swindon, making a real and lasting difference to the most disadvantaged £18 people in our county.

The Salisbury and District Branch of the Samaritans is one of the oldest branches in the UK and covers cover an area from Warminster to Andover and south, including all Salisbury's surrounding areas. Our volunteers provide an incredibly valuable service, each year dealing with over 17,000 calls, face to face meetings, emails and text messages.

We are passionate about the support we give to our community. In addition, our speakers give presentations to schools, colleges, clubs and other organisations as part of our Outreach programme.