UK's 'first community foundation' celebrates 50 years

Europe's "oldest community foundation" is celebrating 50 years of supporting people in crisis and raising more than £26.8m for charities.

The Wiltshire Community Foundation (WCF), founded on 6 May 1975, supports voluntary groups by bringing businesses together to pool charitable donations.

From helping mothers and their children escape domestic violence to supporting education projects and schemes to improve people's mental health, the foundation aims to provide money and support "where it is needed most", a spokesperson said.

Fiona Oliver, WCF's joint chief executive, said: "Our 50th anniversary is a remarkable milestone."

"It wouldn't have been possible without the incredible generosity of our supporters, the contribution of our partners, and the tireless work of the local voluntary sector," she added.

Marking its 50th anniversary, a series of events will be held throughout 2025, including a volunteers' lunch in June and an anniversary celebration in July.

First known as the Thamesdown Community Trust, the charity was founded by Lord Joel Joffe, Nelson Mandela's lawyer.

"Since 1975, we've been privileged to build on the vision of those who established the foundation - people who believed in the power of local communities to come together and support one another," said Ms Oliver.

The foundation later merged with Wiltshire Community Trust in 1991, changing its name to the Wiltshire Community Foundation.

WCF's bosses believe it was the first community foundation set up in the UK and Europe.

Ms Oliver said the WCF's work included a £3,000 grant awarded in 2000. This funded the launch of a pilot project in Salisbury for a food bank, which was a "relatively new concept in the UK".

"It was for the Trussell Trust, which now gives out three million emergency food parcels each year.

"So from very small grassroots organisations, mighty things can grow, and we never underestimate the impact that small community groups have," she added.

Among the many schemes it supports is the Kennet Furniture Refurbiz, which offers people in hardship furniture and white goods at affordable prices. It has also helped to fund Swindon Sisters Alliance, a charity shop that offers domestic violence victims support to leave abusers.

Looking to the future, Ms Oliver said the charity was "excited to continue building" its work.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.