The Projects

 Rather than bombard everyone stright away with detailed information on every project we are visiting, we thought a gentle introduction and overview of the types of visits we are going to make would perhaps be better.

Every project that is to be visited throughout the week is in some way contributing or benefiting their local community.

"I firmly believe that the well-being of any community begins with local people, and especially with our local voluntary groups and charitable organisations. Their contribution can be easily overlooked in a world where national media dominates." - Mrs Carolyn Cumming

As well as all of our projects being local and community based, I have chosen to direct my attention towards young children and their families, as this is an area that as High Sheriff, I would like to promote.

In the following weeks we will be giving you lots more information on each individual project but for the mean time, here is a list of examples.

• Youth Clubs
• Riding schools for children with challenging backgrounds and disabilties
• Childrens Centres
• Community Shops
• Local Schools
• Projects who help their local communities through the arts

DO YOUR BIT AND DONATE!

Localgiving.com

You will have noticed that we keep going on about localgiving.com as a way to donate. So here is some information on what the website does and why we have chosen to work with them on this event.

Localgiving.com was founded in 2008 by the Secret Millionaire, Marcelle Spencer, and is one of the ways in which many Community Foundations across the country raise funds for projects and organisations.

It works in partnership with the Community Foundation network providing a simple marketing and donation process for the small, local charities and community groups that Community Foundations support.

Many of the community projects and local charities that are supported by Community Foundations are too small to register with the Charity Commission but by signing up to localgiving.com they too are able to benefit from the advantages that online donating has to offer

The localgiving.com system offers an easy way to raise money for projects, as well as allowing them to claim gift aid[1], even if they are not a registered charity. Their donating page automatically creates a web presence for the group, helping raise its profile and allowing it to have an easily accessible place to share stories, events and successes.

If you think your local project or organisation could benefit from the success of a localgiving.com page contact your local Community Foundation.

For the Milton Keynes area contact shahnaz.hussain@mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk

Or for Buckinghamshire contact cbelcher@buckscf.org.uk

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[1] Gift Aid is a Government scheme that increases the value of donations to charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs by allowing them to reclaim basic rate tax on your gift

DO YOUR BIT AND DONATE!

Community Foundations (CFs)

Throughout the year as High Sheriff and particularly for the ride, Carolyn will be working in close partnership with both the Buckinghamshire and MK Community Foundations, which are part of the Community Foundation Network.

There are 56 Community Foundations across the UK, all aiming to help local communities and to enrich the lives of local people. 

The 56 Community Foundations located in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland cover 95% of the UK, and mange £222m between 1,400 charitable funds. In 2010 they distributed £70m in grants to 17,000 voluntary community organisations. 

To raise the funds to support their local communities, CFs rely on donations from individuals and businesses. The money raised can then be placed into a scheme or grant fund or, if requested by the donor, something more specific such as ‘The High Sheriff’s Charity Ride’. This unique and personalised approach to philanthropy is what makes the Community Foundations such an efficient and effective way to donate. 

“Community Foundations are dedicated to helping these local causes in sometimes small but always meaningful ways.  They are experts in matching donors to specific needs and can make a real difference to the communities where you live.

As High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, I firmly believe that working with our county’s Community Foundations is the best way of focusing support towards our local communities and reaching those parts that might otherwise go unrecognized.” – Carolyn Cumming

To learn more about what Community Foundations do and the type of projects they support visit their website.

http://www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk/

http://www.thebucksfoundation.org.uk/










DO YOUR BIT AND DONATE!  

How to Donate

From now on the following link will be available on every post, so you should never be more than a click away from being able to donate.

Huge thanks for all your encouraging words and support

 

Twitter

In an attempt to stay current and "down with the kids" we have set up a twitter account.

Click on the link below to follow


Follow @CarolynCumming

A Big Hello and Welcome...

A very warm welcome and huge thanks for taking some time to look at this blog.

The idea of this blog is so that people, like yourself, can follow all the latest news, information and photos from the forthcoming Charity Ride. It has been a long process in the works so starting this blog really makes it seem like the count down has begun to the final event, taking place between the 16^th and 23^rd September.

A lot of work by a lot of people has gone into making this possible but the only way we can make it a real success story is with the help of you, so please PLEASE be sure to tell all your friends and family members about what it is we’re doing.

Every penny of the money raised from this ride will be going into a High Sheriff Fund that will then be split between the two Community Foundations in Buckinghamshire, and given to LOCAL worthwhile causes. You can donate through the website www.localgiving.com, just type ‘High Sheriff’s Charity Ride’ into their charities search on the top right corner of their homepage.

We hope you enjoy and be sure to follow us so you can stay up to date with all the goings on…


Many Thanks
                            
Carolyn Cumming
The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire