A CHARITY dedicated to improving the quality of life of Suffolk residents has received a £1.7million boost from the Government - on its third birthday.

Danielle Nuttall

A CHARITY dedicated to improving the quality of life of Suffolk residents has received a £1.7million boost from the Government - on its third birthday.

The Suffolk Foundation has been awarded a Grassroots grant which will allow it to offer more financial support to hundreds of voluntary and community groups across the county.

The Grassroots scheme is part of a £130m Government drive to support thousands of groups and projects trying to improve their communities.

Under the initiative, donors who pay high rate income tax can potentially increase their charitable donation by up to two and a half times if they opt to set up a long-term fund through the Suffolk Foundation.

Stephen Singleton, chief executive of the Suffolk Foundation, said: “This is good news for the Foundation and great news for Suffolk. For the next three years we will be allocating at least £300,000 per year to all sorts of different projects.”

Last year more than 100 community projects shared £250,000 and the amount is expected to triple this year.

Chairman David Sheepshanks said: “It is an outstanding achievement for such a young organisation and a wonderful way to begin our fourth year with such a significant amount of money to allocate across the county.

“The aim of the Suffolk Foundation is not only to make quality grants but also to build significant endowment funds that will effectively support community needs.

“With this new funding, our grant making in the next 12 months is likely to triple. This Government grant, with the help of donors, should enable us to build an endowment fund of £2-3m over the next three years.

“I would encourage individuals and businesses who want to put something back into the local community to consider using this scheme. There has never been a better and more cost-effective way to give and to see the impact of that giving more than double.”

Voluntary organisations wanting to apply for funding under the new grant should download an application form from the website at www.suffolkfoundation.org.uk.

Businesses and private individuals wanting to find out how they can play a part in benefiting local communities should contact Mr Singleton on 01473 734120.