High Sheriff to abseil Spinnaker Tower in full Court Dress to support Hampshire and Isle of Wight communities

The High Sheriff of Hampshire, William Maltby, will be swapping ceremony for adrenaline on Saturday 19th September as he abseils 100 metres down Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower – wearing his full High Sheriff Court Dress. If that wasn’t enough, William has also persuaded HIWCF Chief Executive, Jacqui Scott, to join him on the descent, despite […]
HIWCF Trustee honoured with MBE for lifetime of service to education

For more than four decades, HIWCF Trustee Krysia Butwilowska MBE has dedicated her career to transforming the lives of children and young people through education. A former headteacher with eight headships to her name, Krysia has spent much of her career working in some of Portsmouth’s most disadvantaged communities, championing opportunity, aspiration and the belief […]
13 more hidden Isle of Wight stories will come to light through the Past Futures Heritage Fund.

Creative Island and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) are proud to announce the 13 community organisations selected for the second round of Past Futures today. This heritage fund, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, provides vital investment to celebrate, archive, and share the everyday stories and unique traditions that […]
What we heard from community groups – and what we’re doing next

At HIWCF, we believe that listening matters and that’s why earlier this year, we asked community groups that have engaged with our grant programmes to share their experiences of working with us. The survey forms part of our ongoing commitment to learn, improve and make our funding processes as supportive as possible. First and foremost, […]
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 […]
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 […]