Community
We have long been committed to supporting our local community. After all, local people have trusted and supported us over the years, so itβs only right that we give something back. We have won Charity Champion of the year at the Money Marketing Awards 2022. The photo shows Katie Brown and Rachael Martin picking up the award on behalf of the team at Strategic Solutions.
The Community Foundation is committed to supporting financial education and wellbeing, and generally giving back to the communities where our clients live, work and play. Financed not only by the company but our employees too, we provide targeted funding to small, grassroots groups that might otherwise struggle to source it.
Our grants are prioritised to those in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset or Devon; those of other regions will be considered only where there is substantial evidence of significant geographical reach to our clientsβ community.
If youβd like your charity to be considered by The Community Foundation, please download our application form or get in touch.
Download information pack Download application formHow weβre giving back
Weβve had the pleasure of supporting some wonderful initiatives in recent months. Find out more about some of the local charities and causes weβve been involved with.
Oly Newton
We were thrilled to team up with international speaker and mental health trainer Oly Newton visiting primary and secondary schools in Folkestone.
Oly fearlessly opened up about his personal challenges and experiences with severe mental illness, sharing his journey from struggle to triumph.
Now he encourages others to seek help in overcoming their own mental health battles and delivered an incredible message that resonated with young minds and promoted positivity and empowerment.
Stover Canal Trust
The Stover Canal Trust in Newton Abbot, Devon stands as a registered charity with a steadfast commitment to preserving and restoring the local canal line for the community.
We've recently supported them by helping them purchase a new tractor mounted saw bench. This valuable equipment enables their volunteers to chop logs that have either fallen or been felled from around the canal.
These logs are then sold to raise money for other vital equipment and diesel for the tractor.
Dorset Wildlife Trust
Weβve been working with the Dorset Wildlife Trust, Dorsetβs largest nature conservation charity, to help reintroduce beavers back into the area.
We have bought various essential items on their wish list, including a new boat, trail cameras, torches and thermal imaging equipment.
East Dorset Beekeepers Association
When we discovered that the East Dorset Beekeepers Association had outgrown its area and needed to expand in order to accommodate more members, we wanted to help.
We donated Β£2000 to this great cause, which will help them to secure more land, allow them to expand and keep their bees buzzing.
Animal Canopy
We are pleased to be supporting Animal Canopy. Weβve contributed Β£1000 to the charity, which has split the funds between two local rescues.
The first is Bournemouth-based Staffie and Stray Rescue, who concentrate on the caring for and re-homing of Staffordshire bull terriers. The second is Paulaβs Cat Rescue; based in Poole, they care for and re-home stray and unwanted cats.
Downright Perfect
Downright Perfect is a charity that provides support for children with Downβs Syndrome and their families. When their annual party was cancelled in March 2021 due to the pandemic, we wanted to do something to put a smile on their faces.
We donated 50 x Β£20 Amazon vouchers which were sent out to the children for them to buy a toy in place of the party. We also paid for four therapy sessions worth Β£250 each which the children will really benefit from.
Hope for Food
Hope for Foodβs mission is to assist families in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas, who are either homeless or living in poverty. When we heard that families with financial problems were being housed in accommodation with no white goods, we saw an opportunity to help.
Weβre happy to have donated four washing machines to this amazing cause, purchased from and delivered by local company Grahamβs Electrical.
Winchester Go LD
A much-valued charity offering support for adults with learning disabilities, Winchester Go LD launched their year-long Wellbeing Project with the aim of improving the lives of its members. It includes a series of weekly Zoom calls centred around six key subjects.
Strategic Solutions sponsored the sixth subject, the Economic module, which carries out training and activities regarding money.
Dorset Deaf Childrenβs Society
Weβre proud to support this wonderful charity for the third year in a row. The Dorset Deaf Childrenβs Society provides help and information for hearing-impaired children across and their families across Dorset, organising activities and events that allow the children to share their experiences and have fun.
Rowcroft Hospice
Rowcroft Hospice are committed to providing comfort, support and specialist care to thousands of patients and their loved ones across South Devon each year.
St Margaret's Hospice
St Margaret's Hospice Care has been at the heart of Somersetβs community for 40 years, delivering high quality, responsive and compassionate care to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness.
River Teign Scouts
We have helped The River Teign Scout group purchase heaters to keep them toasty warm throughout the winter.
Visually Impaired Sailing Association
VISA-GB is run by blind and partially sighted sailing enthusiasts to help others to enjoy the freedom of sailing. Visa-gbβs aim is to empower, motivate and encourage both blind and visually impaired people to join a team sailing yachts and have the chance to enjoy getting stuck in and involved in something thatβs great fun.
Windward Day Services
Windward Day Services provide day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
They support people to access many activities both inside and throughout our community. They have a focus on independent living skills so encourage people to develop their cooking and money skills.
Sea Cadets Poole
Poole Sea Cadets aim to give young people an experience that will help them grow into the person they want to be in a safe and friendly environment. Through various activities and adventures, the cadets learn teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, self-discipline, honesty and how to be the best version of themselves.
