Gentoo’s Aspire grants programme awards over £20,000 across Sunderland

The housing group currently offers Aspire grants of up to £500 to fund projects and activities in Gentoo neighbourhoods, with applications approved by its customer group involved in the scheme.

Community groups to have recently benefitted from the funding include Marta Card Craft, Choice Wellbeing Service and Houghton Boxing Club.

The funding allowed Marta Card Craft to stock up on craft materials, Choice Wellbeing Service to print copies of their special educational needs (SEND) directory and Houghton Boxing Club to buy some new boxing gloves.

The Aspire grant programme was launched in 2003. Since its foundation it has awarded over £220,000, which has benefited hundreds of local groups and organisations over the years.

Organisations to benefit include art, music and drama clubs, toddler play groups, local football clubs, older people’s clubs and resident and community associations.

Lewis Walmsley, who is Gentoo's Customer Engagement lead, said: “Aspire grants offer an opportunity for people to make a positive difference in communities, whether that be through sports clubs, wellbeing services or community events.

"The funding puts Gentoo customers at the forefront of decision making, with each Aspire grant being approved by our involved customers.

"The grants allow community spaces and organisations to maintain and improve their services for local people and I’m delighted we have been able to support more than 40 groups over the last year.”

Patricia Ross, Gentoo customer and volunteer at Marta Card Craft, said: “We were so pleased to receive a £350 Aspire grant from Gentoo. We were able to stock up on card and craft materials that we use to create handmade greeting cards.

"We get together every week and love crafting the cards. It's nice for everyone to get together and have a catch up too."

The previous year the group awarded more than £18,500 in Aspire grants to over 40 community associations.

If you or someone you know could benefit from an Aspire grant, you can find further information and an application at www.gentoogroup.com/aspire.