This grant programme is funded by the ‘Charles Burnett Memorial Fund’. Charles was a philanthropist who championed work strengthening local communities; being part of a strong, connected community can help people to lead happier, healthier lives. Charles was a resident of the New Forest, and this fund is designated for community organisations based in and supporting people in the New Forest.

HIWCF: HIWCF is administering this fund under its impact themes of ‘flourishing communities’ and ‘health and wellbeing’.

‘Our Community – New Forest & Waterside’: The New Forest is an amazing place to live, but like many areas it faces a number of wider social challenges, including pressures on community services and increasing demands on local support networks. It also has specific local needs, such as limited public transport and an ageing population. Factors such as these can affect how connected people of all ages and backgrounds feel within their community, and the opportunities they are able to access.

This grant programme ‘Our Community – New Forest & Waterside’ seeks to use a community based response to help people be part of and thrive within their local community.