Duchess of Cornwall opens new village hall funded by Dorset Community Foundation

An official ceremony was held in the hall and the Duchess was given the opportunity to learn more about Dorset Community Foundation and it's achievements throughout 2015.

The Hall was partially funded with a grant provided by the Dorset County Council Fund, which the foundation managed on behalf of Dorset County Council from 2011 to 2015.

The foundation works with individuals, families, companies and other organisations to help them achieve their charitable goals by making giving easy, flexible and effective.

Tracy Melling, chief executive at the foundation said: "It was wonderful to meet The Duchess of Cornwall and to have the opportunity to talk about the work of the Foundation.

"In particular we discussed the importance of community in helping to provide a sense of belonging and to help combat isolation – which is particularly prevalent in rural Dorset."

The foundation works with local authorities, individuals, companies and trusts who want to give to transform lives across local communities.

The charity holds a unique position within Dorset as the primary organisation for raising and distributing funding and grant making to good causes in the county. Since 2000 the charity has distributed more than £10 million in grants.

In their 2014/15 review it shows that the charity has funded 82 grassroots local projects projects and another 471 vulnerable individuals, distributing more that £300,000.

By working in partnership with local companies, trusts, individuals and statutory bodies it has been able to achieve a considerable community impact during the year.

The foundation aims to inspire positive social change and act as a community catalyst by providing strategic grant making services which connect people who want to give to those most in need.

For more information please go to dorsetcommunityfoundation.org

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