Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, hosted a free Funding Fair for voluntary groups and charitable organisations in the Gosport Constituency.

The event, which was being co-hosted by The National Lottery Community Fund and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, included information from the local funding teams to help organisations understand what support and funding is out there and how to bid for it.

The meeting also included local organisations who have been successful at securing Lottery funding. To offer tips and advice on the process. Motiv8 joined the event to talk about their successful £495,944 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. Which enabled them to expand their services for local young people.

Commenting Caroline said: “It was great to see so many charities and voluntary organisations attending the Gosport Funding Fair. To pick up info on the funding that’s available to them and tips on how to bid for it.” 

Helen Bushell, Head of Regional Funding for London, the South East and East of England at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We were delighted to support the Gosport Funding Fair. Which brought communities together to share the range of support available to local groups.

 “Our funding strengthens society and improves lives. The skills, presence and relationships of our teams in the local area ensure that our funding remains responsive to the needs of the community – and we always want to hear how we can help.”

Jane Rutterford, Fundraising Manager at Oarsome Chance, said: “We have been very fortunate to receive funding from HIWCF and it has been great to get the chance to share our experience. As well as learn from the other charities at the Gosport Funding Fair event.

 It’s a very challenging time for charities with more competition than ever for funding. So It’s great for the sector to come together and learn from each other.”

Jacqui Scott, CEO of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation said: “At Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation. We know that thousands of local and often tiny community groups work incredibly hard for our communities and we want to see them thrive. 

 We enable philanthropists and companies to reach these often unknown but innovative, nimble, creative groups through their generosity. Gosport is an area with significant deprivation  and we would love to see more support being generated for this area.”