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Four local organisations that work with some of society’s most vulnerable women and girls have received a much-needed funding boost from Heart of Bucks, the community foundation for Buckinghamshire.

These small charities and community groups have received grants of up to £10,000 from the Tampon Tax Community Fund to work with women of all ages, focusing on preventative services for those at risk of crisis.

Over £25,000 was awarded to projects that will help women and girls to create and develop social networks, build skills and confidence, and offer mental health support.

As one of the UK’s largest grant-giving organisations, UK Community Foundations was asked by the government to distribute the largest share of the funding raised through the levy on sanitary products in 2017/18 to small, local projects, working with its network of Community Foundations across the country.

UKCF Director of Programmes and Development Vicki Papworth said:

Community Foundations work with grassroots groups who are running vital services on a shoestring and supporting some of the most marginalised people in our society. This funding will enable them to run some amazing projects that make difference on the ground to the women and girls who need it most.

The organisations and projects being funded in Buckinghamshire are:

  • Lindengate – Therapeutic horticulture for vulnerable women from the Asian, Muslim and ethnic minority communities, as well as women from domestic violence backgrounds.
  • Carers Bucks – Supporting young females to reach their full potential whilst balancing their caring role.
  • Restore Hope – Supporting women through various workshops to reach a position where they are confident and equipped to look for work.
  • The Dash Charity – Independent Domestic Violence Advocates to support vulnerable women and girls who have experienced domestic violence.

Community Foundations were oversubscribed in all areas for the Tampon Tax Community Fund. Only a quarter of the 1,500 applications for vital women and girls projects could be supported from this stream of funding.

Community Foundations are independent charities that make grants to support grassroots groups. They work with local businesses, funders and government to create tailored programmes of grant-making that respond to the needs and assets of communities. They also distribute funding secured through national programmes, including the Tampon Tax Community Fund.