Summer Lovin’. Grant Recipients Had A Blast At Giveaway

The We Love Lichfield Summer 2023 grant giveaway saw nearly £20,000 presented to 18 good causes from across the district. Representatives from voluntary groups gathered at the George Hotel yesterday (15 June 2023) for the event together with a host of civic and business guests representing the area.

The presentation was an opportunity to pay tribute to the hundreds of volunteers across the District – in the city, Burntwood and all the rural villages. Each recipient group made a speech about the work they did so that guests were able to gain an insight into the thousands of voluntary hours given every week across the District.

Simon Price, Patron of We Love Lichfield hosted the event and thanked everyone for attending.

He thanked the following businesses and individuals who have supported We Love Lichfield this year including The George Hotel, John Heeler, Terry Turner, The Boat Inn, Adcocks Solicitors and David Lloyd Leisure. He also thanked the We Love Lichfield advisors, and The Community Foundation for Staffordshire for administering the grant scheme.

Simon explained the history of the fund, that it began 11 years ago with £24,000 sitting in dormant funds which was released by Lichfield District Council. This figure was match funded and since then fund-raising has boosted the balance. The capital is invested and only the interest is given out as grants to ensure that the scheme is sustainable for the future.

Simon said, “We Love Lichfield is like a pension scheme for the voluntary sector in Lichfield District. By raising funds for capital and giving away our interest we can keep the funding going for generations to come.

“So far, we have given away over £1/3 million in 330 grants to nearly 200 organisations. And as the cost-of-living crisis continues, we have had many new applicants which I am delighted to say we were able to help.

“My thanks also go to Lichfield District Council for their support and for entrusting We Love Lichfield in assisting them in their grant and Community Lottery funds. To have the council as a partner gives us a boost to strive even harder to make a difference across our district.”