Local Giving coming soon to Kirklees

Its Chairman, Sir John Harman explained "Most areas already have Community Foundations which raise permanent trust funds for community benefits, but Kirklees is an exception. We want to put that right."

The Government has promised to match the cash raised for such trust funds, pound for pound - but the £157,000 available this year has to be claimed by 31 March 2010.

"That´s why we are launching this campaign now" said Sir John. "It really is a case of "Use it or Lose it" and we need your help. Whether you are an individual or a company, you can quite simply double your charitable donations within the community. In fact, if you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid will add even more benefit."

The scheme is backed by the existing Community Foundation in Calderdale, whose Chief Executive Officer, Steve Duncan said "Calderdale already benefits from this Government offer and we are delighted to support the campaign. We have already been an agent for over £2million of grants to Kirklees community groups through the Grassroots programme and other programmes before that, but One Community will be able to do much more"

"Our aim is to make community giving easy and natural" said trustee Hazel Wigmore. "But what better way to start than by giving donors the chance to double their donations through this campaign?"

The money raised will go into an endowment fund to be held in perpetuity for community benefit  the investment income from the fund will be used to support applications from local community groups.