An Anonymous Grant Recipient

Sadly, not all of our grant recipients are in a position to speak publicly about how our fantastic donors have helped them.

37% of our grant recipients are from the most deprived local areas and many live in vulnerable circumstances that mean they cannot publicise their location or identity – even to their friends and family.

We often get asked what it is that makes us different from initiatives like Crowdfunding, and the answer to that is our local knowledge and the ability to reach out and connect with causes that are not able to publically champion funds for themselves. The work we do alongside our donors is not about supporting the most popular initiatives, but those that are in need.

This story represents our grant recipients that have to remain anonymous – a group that are very important to both the County Durham Community Foundation and its donors.

How it all began

Our Anonymous Grant Recipient was referred to our community foundation by their social worker, having found themselves struggling and in urgent need of support.

“After a really difficult two years I decided to take myself out of an environment that was unhealthy for both me and my kids. For the first time in my life I’d found myself without a job or home and I’d never felt more alone.

“I had no idea what support I could or couldn’t get and in all honesty asking for help was the last thing on my mind. I’d signed up to the Job Centre and was waiting for my appointment, but it would have been two weeks before I could get any JSA or support. Thankfully, my social worker applied for a grant through the County Durham Community Foundation for me.”

Making a difference

“The grant I received for an emergency allowance was enough to make sure I could put food on the table and pay the rent for a few weeks until I found a job and was back on my feet. I had no idea that places like the County Durham Community Foundation existed until I needed them the most and now I can’t thank them or my social worker enough. If it wasn’t for their support at the time I’m not sure how I would have coped.”

With thanks to you

To all of our donors and volunteers, it is with thanks to you that positive change in the lives of individuals and the community is made possible. Thank you.