Alan Titchmarsh calls HIWCF a “shining light” at inaugural Summer Soirée
HIWCF was delighted to welcome guests to its inaugural Summer Soirée on 4 June, featuring a special ‘In Conversation’ with broadcaster, author and HIWCF Ambassador, Alan Titchmarsh CBE, interviewed by journalist, broadcaster and author Matt Chorley. Kindly sponsored by Sarasin & Partners, the event brought together HIWCF fundholders, donors, professional advisers, community leaders and representatives […]
Report highlights need to rebuild pride in place across the South East
A major new report from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has revealed growing challenges around local pride, community connection and confidence in the impact of charities across the UK – findings which Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) says underline the importance of place-based giving. CAF’s UK Local Giving 2026 report found that […]
Open, trusting, and evolving: what we’re learning from our communities about better grant making
By Jacqui Scott, HIWCF CEO HIWCF recently signed up to the IVAR (Institute for Voluntary Action Research) ’Open and Trusting’ initiative, a programme which asks funders to commit to eight pledges around our approach to grant making: these include transparency, flexibility, proportionality and more. For us, this has been part of wider efforts toward more […]
Statement in memoriam: Grant Cornwell MBE
HIWCF was saddened to learn that Grant Cornwell MBE, former HIWCF Chief Executive, has passed away. Grant was appointed to the role in April 2018, having previously lead the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. Grant was passionate about supporting young people and bringing out their talents, particularly in relation to sports where he was recognised with an […]
What the decline in UK giving means for our communities
By Jacqui Scott, HIWCF CEO On Sunday 22 March, I had the opportunity to join BBC Politics South alongside local MPs, Alex Brewer MP (North East Hants) and Dr Beccy Cooper MP (Worthing West) to discuss a growing challenge for our sector: the decline in charitable giving across the UK. The latest research shows a […]
Community champions celebrated at High Sheriff of Hampshire Community Awards
Dedicated volunteers, community groups and organisations from across Hampshire were celebrated at the High Sheriff of Hampshire Community Awards on 19 March, recognising outstanding contributions to community safety, justice and social change. Hosted by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF), the Awards brought together public servants, volunteers, charities and community groups whose work strengthens communities and supports the criminal justice […]
Funders collaborate in Hampshire to support young people
Research shows that young people are among those most affected by social fragmentation and polarisation. The national £3.4m Lead the Change programme is focused on two key areas: systemic issues causing division in communities and youth social action. The programme will amplify youth voices and nurture young community leaders in Portsmouth, Southampton and Aldershot. On […]
A lifeline for families on the Isle of Wight
The South Wight Area Youth Partnership (SWAY) works with young people and their families disadvantaged by location, background or circumstances. SWAY’s support builds self-confidence, self-worth and empowers people to make positive changes in their lives. HIWCF grants have supported SWAY’s work to provide one-to-one support for both parents and young people, as well as running […]
Portsmouth’s only indoor golf venue gets business funding
Sam is the founder of Par Society, Portsmouth’s only indoor golf venue, offering an affordable, inclusive and social golfing experience for beginners and seasoned players alike. Supported by a £2,000 SWEF Business Grant, Sam is using the funding to accelerate growth through targeted digital marketing. Par Society opened its doors in March 2025 and has […]
Supporting Portsmouth’s Gambian community
Portsmouth Gambian Association (PGA) provides support, companionship, encouragement and celebration of its culture for more than 150 people in and around Portsmouth and Gosport. A grant from HIWCF’s Portsmouth City Community fund helped it organise family events to bring its community together and hold a series of workshops to address issues such as internet safety, […]