Sussex groups can apply for share of £50k as Community Chest opens for entries

The annual Hall & Woodhouse cash give-away to great local causes in Sussex and beyond and which is supported by this newspaper was launched today (Friday March 5).
Mark Woodhouse and Lucinda Gray virtually hosting last year's Community Chest awardsMark Woodhouse and Lucinda Gray virtually hosting last year's Community Chest awards
Mark Woodhouse and Lucinda Gray virtually hosting last year's Community Chest awards

The leading independent family-owned brewer launched the Community Chest initiative in 2002 and has again pledged a total of £50,000 to worthy causes with identified needs.

Local voluntary organisations in regions across Sussex where Hall & Woodhouse operate have the opportunity to apply online for grants up to £4,000 to support their causes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This newspaper and its website has been the media partner for the awards scheme since they were launched in the county and Editor in Chief Gary Shipton and Editor Bex Bastable are among the judging panel.

Mark Woodhouse, Family Director of Hall & Woodhouse, explained: “The Community Chest was originally set up almost 20 years ago to support and strengthen local communities which our pubs are a focal part of.

“Today we are proud to be able to support those voluntary organisations that are helping their communities at such a difficult time. We remain dedicated to the Community Chest, despite the challenges our sector has faced, and are keen to hear from those in need. The past year has been so turbulent for many charities and has greatly impacted communities in so many ways. We have heard first-hand just how essential our support is for the survival of the causes that that we have helped to date.”

A Community Chest grant can go towards improving a variety of different aspects of the local area- for example, by helping the youth, elderly, disabled, arts, environment and more.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Since 2002, the Hall & Woodhouse Community Chest has donated over £650,000 to more than 800 causes across the south of England and is backed by the Dorset and Sussex Community Foundations.

Applicants have until Friday, May 7 to submit their grant requests. Application forms can be downloaded via www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/community-chest and then emailed to [email protected] for consideration.

Successful grant beneficiaries will be notified of the outcome of their application in September with an awards event in October 2021.

Gary Shipton said: “These awards make a real difference to so many groups in our communities. I salute Hall and Woodhouse for continuing to make this investment after what has been a particularly difficult time for all pubs through lockdown. I encourage all organisations in Sussex to submit their application.”

Related topics: