The BIG Bolton Fund, Bolton Community and Voluntary Services

THE BIG Bolton Fund has helped scores of local community groups with financial aid, enabling them to continue to provide much needed services.

The BBF operates under the wing of Bolton Community and Voluntary Services, which was set up in 1990 to provide support to local voluntary, community and faith groups within the Bolton area.

The BIG Bolton Fund (BBF) was launched in January 2008 to help create a permanent endowment fund for the people of Bolton.

This allows much needed grants to be given to community groups within the Bolton area as a way of sustaining the services they offer.

BBF provides grants to support many groups: including children’s activities and projects, activities for the older generation, environmental schemes and projects that actively promote health and wellbeing as well as activities promoting community spirit throughout Bolton.

In September 2008, BBF secured a grant from the Office of Third Sector which meant any cash donated to BBF would be match-funded by the Government up to £103,000.

The BBF will reach its target through working with local companies to assist them in meeting their own corporate social responsibility objectives.

Companies involved include Cool Canvas, ROK Group, Balfour Beatty and Bolton Wanderers. Since April 2009, £450,000 has been given to more than 100 community groups within the area.

In the present economic climate there has been more demand on charities and community groups and BBF’s support has allowed many to continue to offer their services to those that need it most.

Karen Minnitt said: “We are delighted to be nominated for this award as it will really help us bring the message of the BBF to Bolton people.

“We want to get the BBF out there because it’s very special for the people of Bolton. It will help small voluntary groups with funding for decades to come.”