Welcome to the October edition of Charity Buzz!
With summer now behind us and autumn settling in, it’s a season of new beginnings and renewed focus.
So, with the kids back at school and the days growing shorter, we’re excited to bring you another edition packed with updates, insights and stories that inspire.
Together, let’s embrace this time of change and continue making a positive impact in our communities.
News Bytes
Check out this edition’s News Bytes blog post by clicking on the below link:
Grants for Charities
A charity can approach a foundation and request a grant to help them carry out their work or achieve a project goal and help them give back to their local community. This gives vital help and support to those who are in need of it. Most importantly, a grant is deemed as a gift that does not need to be repaid. As with most things where you are requesting money, you will need to find out if your charity is eligible and fulfils certain criteria before applying for a grant.
Every Issue we will highlight a different entity that offers charity grants. This month’s Grab a Grant website is the Garfield Weston Foundation.
The Garfield Weston Foundation is one of the UK’s largest charitable funders, providing grants to a wide range of causes, including community projects, education, health, the environment and the arts. Charities of all sizes can apply for funding, with a focus on organisations that demonstrate strong leadership and a clear vision for sustainability.
The Foundation offers both major grants (for projects requiring larger sums of funding) and regular grants (for smaller initiatives). With a commitment to supporting long-term impact, the Foundation encourages applications that address real needs and make a difference in their communities. If your charity is seeking funding for a project or operational support, this could be an excellent opportunity to secure vital resources. For more information, visit their website and explore their application guidelines.
https://garfieldweston.org/for-grant-applicants/
If you want to find out more information about grants in general, who is eligible and how to apply for a grant, read our June 2023 Issue article, by clicking here.
Every issue we select a Charity to feature in our newsletter. Today, our featured charitable organisation is Magpas Air Ambulance, a vital charity that provides advanced critical care across the East of England and beyond, offering lifesaving support to those in need.
Established in 1971, Magpas Air Ambulance has a long history of delivering expert medical care to patients involved in serious accidents or emergencies, often in remote or difficult-to-reach locations. The charity operates both by helicopter and rapid response vehicles, staffed by highly trained doctors and paramedics who can provide emergency care typically only found in hospitals.
What makes Magpas unique is their ability to bring hospital-level care directly to the scene of an incident. Whether it’s administering advanced pain relief, performing life-saving procedures, or stabilising patients for transport to the nearest hospital, their team is equipped to handle the most critical situations. As a charity, Magpas Air Ambulance relies heavily on public donations to fund its operations, ensuring that their services remain free for those in need. They are not government-funded, which highlights the importance of community support in keeping this essential service running.
For charities and individuals interested in supporting Magpas, there are many ways to get involved, from fundraising events to corporate partnerships. By spotlighting this incredible organisation, we hope to raise awareness about their critical work and encourage others to contribute to their mission of saving lives.
As well as highlighting a different charity in every issue, we are also including the report of an inspirational charity member or charity supporter, in our “Reach to Achieve” segment.
This edition features Matthew Haywood, a dedicated fundraiser who has spent the past three years raising over £30,000 for causes close to his heart. His tireless efforts, particularly in support of mental health and paediatric care, have touched the lives of many and his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Over the past three years, Matthew Haywood has dedicated himself to raising significant funds for various causes, including mental health support and paediatric healthcare. From climbing the Welsh 3 Peaks to supporting Mind and SAMH through his work with the Moto Foundation, Matthew has consistently pushed his limits for the greater good. His efforts have raised over £30,000, a testament to his dedication and the generosity of his supporters.
In a heartfelt announcement last month, Matthew revealed that 2025 will be a year of rest from fundraising. After years of relentless efforts, he recognizes the toll it has taken and is prioritising time for his family and personal growth. But he’s not slowing down entirely—2026 promises to be even bigger. Matthew plans to celebrate five years of being cancer-free by taking on a monumental challenge: stitching together his previous three challenges into one epic 72-hour event involving the 3 National Peaks, the Welsh Peaks and the Yorkshire Peaks—over 66 miles and 6,500 feet of ascent.
Before taking his well-deserved break, Matthew will conclude his 2024 fundraising efforts with the Lakes 10 challenge, supporting The Christie Charity. His journey is a true testament to perseverance, community and the impact of collective effort. We look forward to cheering him on in 2026!
For more on Matthew’s work and how to support his future challenges, visit his JustGiving page here.
