GROUPS working to reduce social exclusion on the Island can apply for a grant of up to £16,000 from the Isle of Wight Foundation. 


The foundation, jointly funded by Ringway Island Roads, Meridiam, and VINCI UK, who are the partners in Island Roads, the company delivering the Highways PFI, is asking for applications for what will be its fourth year of grant funding for good causes.

The foundation has given almost a quarter of a million pounds to local projects over the past three years. 

This year, a pot of up to £80,000 is available to projects which meet the foundation’s criteria. 

Last year’s recipients included Ability Dogs for Young People, Storeroom 2010, and Shanklin Football Club.

Phillip Horton, chairman of the Isle of Wight Foundation, said: "The Highways PFI is a long-term project bringing great improvements to the Island’s highways network.

"But the ethos of the project is to be more than just an engineering project, we want to also be part of, and to support, other aspects of community life on the Island. 

"Through the foundation, we are looking to provide funding to some of the projects that are working in various ways to reduce social exclusion through two main themes; access to employment and building better communities. 

"So far, we have assisted many groups who are meeting this aim in various, highly effective ways and we looking forward to learning more about similarly worthwhile and innovative schemes through the 2017 grant process." 

Eligible applicants such as charities, community interest companies, voluntary and community groups can apply for grants of between £3,000 and £16,000. 
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For more information, visit www.islandroads.com

Applications are invited from February 3 and must be received by 12 noon on May 5.