The Key name as #IWILLTAKEACTION partner
VIRGIN MONEY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES #IWILL TAKE ACTION FUND FOR THE NORTH EAST
- The Virgin Money Foundation and the Big Lottery Fund have each invested £850,000
- First grants totalling £743,000 have been awarded to five charities across the North East
A new fund to support young people from across the North East to engage with their local communities has been launched with £1.7 million committed by The Virgin Money Foundation and the Big Lottery Fund.
The new #iwill Take Action Fund is a three-year social action programme to increase the number of opportunities for 10-20 year olds in the region to volunteer and fundraise for, or campaign on, issues that are important to them. This will enable young people to be enthusiastic, engaged and committed members of their local communities, giving them the opportunity to play a part in tackling the challenges society faces.
Nancy Doyle, Executive Director of The Virgin Money Foundation said:
The Virgin Money Foundation aims to ask people what do you see for your local community? and then provide resources and support to make their vision a reality. As an #iwill match-funder, we will seek to ensure that young people across the North East have a voice and an opportunity to work together and drive positive change in their communities."
Gemma Bull, England Director, Big Lottery Fund said: This new partnership with The Virgin Money Foundation, as part of the #iwill fund, provides an exciting opportunity to support young people to develop their skills and confidence. Thanks to National Lottery players we’re able to work with partners and their networks to reach more young people, enabling them to take the lead in creating new social action opportunities that benefit themselves and their local communities.”
The Key are thrilled to be have been chosen as one of the fund's partner alongside North East based organisations BALTIC Centre Gateshead for Contemporary Art, Groundwork North East and Cumbria, Middlesbrough Tees Valley Football Club and Youth Focus North East.
Victoria Dunn, Deputy CEO said: “The Key are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as partner of the #iwilltakeaction fund. We’re extremely excited about the opportunity to support young people to explore social action on their terms and develop important life skills through the use of The Key Framework.”