Community Foundation picks up award for work in Rochdale

Date published: 17/07/2007

The Community Foundation for Greater Manchester has won one of the most prestigious accolades to be awarded in the charity sector at the Charity Awards 2007.  The charity, which raises money from the private and public sectors and channels it down to grass-root community groups, picked up the coveted Effectiveness Award at an award ceremony in London, for innovative work which started in Rochdale.  

The Foundation’s special award was made in recognition of its recent work in revitalising dormant trust funds working with Councils and Local Authorities across Greater Manchester. This work started with the launch of the Borough of Rochdale Fund in October 2005. Now almost £2m has been released into new funds across Greater Manchester which is being used to support grass roots community activity in some of the most deprived areas of the region. 

The judges were so impressed with the work the Community Foundation had undertaken in this area, that this special discretionary award was given. The Charity Awards judges were looking for examples of excellence from which other organisations can learn.  They felt that the difference The Foundation has made was especially deserving of that recognition. 

The Borough of Rochdale Fund initially launched with dormant trust assets identified by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and the Community Foundation. Since then more money been added through donations from local businesses and partners in the area. In the last 18 months many grant awards have been made to community groups in the area.
 
Daniel Phelan, organiser of The Charity Awards 2007 comments: "With more nominations than ever this year, the Charity Awards are a great illustration of how much fantastic work takes place within the sector.  The Community Foundation for Greater Manchester is a fantastic organisation, the award is thoroughly deserved and we’re delighted to congratulate them on their achievements."

Nick Massey Chief Executive of the Community Foundation added: "We are so pleased to have been presented with this special award for effectiveness as it gives real confirmation that we are doing our job.

"We started our work with local councils to revitalise dormant funds in Rochdale, and since then we have used that successful model to work with Councils to launch similar funds in Stockport, Bury, Manchester and Salford.

"This award shows everyone that we work with, and everyone who should be working with us, that their money is getting to the right place, and really making a difference. Our effectiveness means that the people who volunteer their time and effort for their communities running a range of different groups, services and activities for all ages, are getting the money they need to keep their work going."