Everyone’s a winner with the Philanthropic Foundation

TFM’s Cash for Kids and the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation joined forces to host an award show with a difference.

The “Better Tomorrow” campaign was launched via TFM in February when organisations and groups in Teesside were invited to apply and tell the station and its listeners about a project which would make a difference to them and benefit the community.
The focus was on organisations that support children and the work that they do.
Applications flooded in and a shortlist was drawn up and the lucky few were invited to attend a special award’s night at mima.
It was a great night of giving and a representative from each organisation told TFM’s Wayne Allan and the judging panel a little about what they do and what the money would mean to them. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house and some of the groups also played videos to illustrate the positive effect their work has on the community.
Requests ranged from £4000 for sensory equipment to a pair of football boots, with the specific needs of each group taken into consideration by the judges.
And as the tension mounted it was crystal clear just how much this kind of funding was needed by each and every group.
The twist in the tale was that each of the 13 shortlisted organisations were awarded funding.
From the Centre for Downs Syndrome to Cleveland Juniors FC these organisations all exist to make the lives of children in Teesside better and, despite the groups being led to believe not all of them would be lucky enough to receive a grant, there was a strong sense of kinship amongst those attending.
Andy Preston, Chairman and Founder of the Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation said: “It really was a fantastic evening, we listened to all the amazing things these organisations do. How they make kids’ lives better and really contribute to their communities. That’s what the Foundation is all about.
“It was genuinely moving to see how much it means to these organisations to be given a little bit of financial help and how they were all rooting for each other. I can’t think of more deserving groups for the Foundation to get involved with.”
A full list of awarded grants is provided below:
Stonham Gainford Homeless Project – Hartlepool – £500
Gleneagles Friends Project – play equipment for children with disabilities – £1,000
Kids Konnect – after school sports coaching – £1,200
Cleveland Juniors FC – only free soccer academy in North East – £5,000
Forget Me Not – Childrens Bereavement Counselling Service – £1,000
Pennyman Special School – trips to activity centre in Lakes – £5,200
Advance Into Nature – community farm project – £1,000
PATCH – addressing health inequalities with families through lifestyle changes – £4,100
Young Carers – provision of respite for kids who care for parents and grandparents – £4,000
The Youthy – music project at Thornaby’s centre with police support – £2,000
Cleveland Army Cadets – £1,000
Downs Syndrome Kids – funding of swimming sessions – £2,000
Oulton Manor Sports Activites – £2,000