The Halton Foundation

The Halton Foundation was launched in February 2016 and aims to forge links between local community groups who need help, with local businesses who may be able to provide it. The partnership is led by Halton Chamber of Commerce, Halton Borough Council and Halton and St Helen's Voluntary and Community Action (VCA). The Halton Foundation's grant making arm is administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside. The Halton Foundation comprises a number of funds under its umbrella including dormant funds, the largest of which is the Knights House Charity, which was originally established in February 1875. The Halton Foundation aims to support people across the borough of Halton who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress. The fund will support voluntary and community groups that are working in the Halton area on a wide range of charitable projects that meet specific criteria: projects alleviating poverty, projects responding to a basic lack of provision, and projects that aim to relieve emotional and physical suffering. Beneficiaries must come from the Halton area. The fund will not support core salaries or general running costs but will consider sessional worker costs and an element of full cost recovery as part of a specific project. Examples of fundable projects include activities for people with disabilities, foodbanks, self-help groups, luncheon clubs, projects to reduce social isolation for vulnerable groups, debt advice sessions, domestic violence projects, and mental health initiatives. The maximum grant available is £1,500. Applications are assessed by Community Foundation staff to check eligibility and a decision-making panel makes recommendations based on the fund's criteria and the budget available. Decisions are typically announced in mid-November.