18 community groups benefit from a share of £20,000

Ongo has awarded 18 groups their share of £20,000 as part of their 2023 Community Grants project.

Community Grants launched in 2012 and so far, has supported more than 100 groups, donating over £120,000.

Ongo has donated £10k, with Hales and Coultas heating & plumbing matching that sum, as part of their promise to donate profits back into good causes, benefitting areas in which they operate.

To be considered groups must be based in areas with Ongo tenants, be not for profit and be constituted with a bank account. This year, Ongo received a record 40 applications, with almost half benefitting from the fund.

Here is the full list of successful groups:

• A Perfect Day
• Sunflowers Children’s Action Group
• Lincoln Court Social Group
• Bosom Family Support
• Crosby United
• 4th Ashby Scout Group
• Grangfield Committee Winterton
• The Trent Project
• Winterton 2022 Incredible Edible Project
• Scunthorpe Air Cadets
• Trans Ed Advisors
• Lincoln Rugby Club
• Starlight Arts
• Keadby Junior Football Club
• Warley Road Community Group
• Hatfield & Askern Colliery Band
• Alkborough Cricket Club
• Hatfield St Lawrence Church

This is the most diverse range of groups awarded in the history of the project, with thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds benefitting.

Kerry Copson, Community Development Manager at Ongo said: “We are delighted and extremely privileged to award more groups than ever a grant which will impact the lives of so many.

“We know that small groups rely on the kind-hearted people running them, giving up their time, often unpaid and usually fighting to stay open. That’s why funds like this really help.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to all those who applied and to those successful this time, we can’t wait to see the difference it’ll make.”

Rachel Ridler, Youth, Childrens and Families Worker at Hatfield St Lawrence Church said: “Every year we try to provide free activities for local families over the long six-week summer holidays.

“I saw the Community Grants and thought it would be perfect for enabling us to cover those costs and maybe even add in some extra treats. Last year we had over 90 children and 50 grown-ups and are hopeful we will get similar this year.

“Grants like this make a huge difference. We want to say a huge thank you, we’re really excited to put the money to good use.”

Joanne Sowerby, Founder of Bosom Family Support said: “We applied because we were worried this year due to the cost of living we’d find it challenging to start new projects.

“Thankfully we were successful in securing this grant. It’ll go towards creating our garden of hope, a place where people can visit to remember their loved ones.

“There are so many benefits to people being outdoors and being together. It’s amazing to see families affected by cancer, working together to achieve something.”

L Thompson, Director of Trans-Ed said, “We applied for the grant as we are currently South Yorkshire but want to expand into to Scunthorpe.

“We plan to use the money to open up virtual advice sessions for parents of trans and LGBT+ children. The current climate is hard for people and we want to help as many as we possibly can.”

To find out more about Ongo and their community projects, follow them on social media or head to their website: www.ongo.co.uk.