New Year, new help available from historic charity fund

Friday, 8 January 2021 16:14

An historic Tamworth charity fund which was set up to help improve the lives of local residents is inviting individuals and organisations to apply for a share of this year’s £5,000 pot

Tamworth Municipal Charities has been administered by Tamworth Borough Council since 1868 when it was established by philanthropists who wanted to help relieve financial hardship for local people at a time when state assistance was non-existent.

Over the years it has provided financial aid to those in need, typically awarding grants of between £100 and £500. Originally this took the form of cash handouts, but has also included the provision of washing machines, cookers, disabled aids, help towards the cost of visiting relatives in hospital, or respite care.

The funds are created from the authority’s returns on investments and the board of trustees consider requests for help from people in need who live in Tamworth, or from organisations which offer help and support to those in need.

Over the years the fund has helped individual residents and organisations such as Dosthill Boys Club, the RAF Association, the Heart of Tamworth charity, the Friends of Spital Chapel, the Starfish Project and Tamworth’s Darby and Joan Club.

Anica Goodwin, Tamworth Borough Council’s Executive Director Organisation and Secretary of Tamworth Municipal Charities, said: “This charity fund is a lasting legacy from the town’s ancestors and has helped hundreds of people and organisations over the years. While it’s only relatively small, the fund can make a huge difference to those in need which is why it has continued for more than 150 years.

“With the New Year arriving and after such a difficult 2020, we understand how financially hard this has been for many. I would encourage any individual residents who need a bit of extra help to apply. The funds can be used from anything from helping pay for unexpected costs, respite care, white goods and much more.

“We also have a fantastic voluntary sector in Tamworth and encourage applications from those voluntary organisations and charities who need extra funding to help deliver their vital work in the community.”

The closing date for applications is Friday February 5. The charity trustees will then meet to consider how grants will be allocated.

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