New fund launched to support women and girls

We are delighted to be launching a new fund aimed at supporting projects that empower women and girls across Wiltshire and Swindon.

The fund which went live at the beginning of October has received its first corporate sponsorship from law firm Wansbroughs, which has pledged an initial £10,000 to accelerate the fund.

While most women and girls enjoy a safe, fulfilled life in Wiltshire and Swindon there are many who don’t. Harassment, gender-based violence, discrimination and stereotyping are still commonplace. Despite this, a chronic lack of funding – women and girls’ groups receive less than 2 per cent of the UK's total charitable giving – means there are few avenues of support.

The Women and Girls Fund will support local charity and community groups running projects that challenge the inequality, abuse and discrimination experienced by women and girls, and amplify their voice and experience to advocate for change, making our county a fairer and safer place. It will also provide bursaries to enable young women to fulfill their educational and vocational ambitions.

Commenting on the fund, Wiltshire Community Foundation joint Chief Executive said: “We are overjoyed to announce the launch of the new Women and Girls Fund. This nominated fund will be earmarked for women and girls’ groups, and with the right financial support will make a lasting difference to women and girls' lives across Wiltshire and Swindon. We are incredibly grateful to Wansbroughs for their continued support of the Foundation and hope their generous donation will inspire others to sign up to support the fund.”

Sarah Alexander, Partner at Wansbroughs, said: “As a long-term supporter of Wiltshire Community Foundation, we were delighted to be approached to support the new women and girls fund as the first corporate partner. As a firm, with roots firmly in the West Country, we recognise first-hand the amazing work that the Foundation does across our community, and this fund will further enhance this – ensuring that the right support reaches the right people where needed.”

We are looking for other companies, organisations and individuals to support the fund. All gifts are welcome, large or small, but we are asking people to consider signing up for a monthly gift so that together we can provide regular and secure funding to the groups and charities supporting women and girls.

Anyone who signs up to make a regular gift to our Women and Girls Fund will be kept up to date with its progress, details of the projects it supports and the lasting difference it makes.

Supporters will also be invited to the annual Women and Girls Fund event, hosted by Lady Lansdowne and sponsored by Wansbroughs, which will be held around International Women’s Day on 8^th March 2024.

You can find out more about the fund and make a donation here