SIX Isle of Wight charities have received a share of £20,000 from the Wight AID Foundation. 


The foundation launched in September last year and is spearheaded by Geoff Underwood, owner of technology firm IFPL and president of the Chamber of Commerce.

It has granted £94,000 to good causes so far and plans to do another eight rounds of funding this year. 

Donations from IFPL, Westridge Limited, Rouse Limited, Glanville’s Solicitors and public donations, have helped six charities benefit from the latest round of grants. 

The following charities received funding:

• The Wave Project has been granted £5,000 to provide surf courses and therapy to young people at risk of mental illness, social isolation or with physical disabilities.

• Jigsaw Family Support has been granted £4,000 towards its Managing Family Separation project. Jigsaw Family Support is aregistered Children’s Contact Centre on the Isle of Wight, providing support to families following separation.

• People Matter IW has been granted £3,950 towards its Autism Inclusion Matters project. This will provide social groups and activities for adults with autism.

• Gift to Nature has been granted £3,462 towards installation of signage to create awareness on the Gift to Nature sites. Gift to Nature promotes the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment on the Island.

• Ryde Sea Cadets have been granted £2,500 towards purchasing a box trailer to transport their band equipment and other kit.

• Cowes Sailability Club has been granted £1,280 towards the running of its boat Dougall II for the 2017 season.

The trustees expect to make the next distribution of funds in March.

Apply for funding at www.wightaid.org