Three local charities have received awards totalling £1,500 to support their work, after the latest round of donations from Foster’s Fund, a scheme set up by Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster.
Foster’s Fund is based on a pledge made by Torbay’s MP when he was first elected to parliament in 2015. He pledged to not only oppose the 10% pay rise proposed for MPs at the time, but to reject it via donations to local charities if IPSA implemented it despite his objections. Kevin renewed this pledge at the last General Election in December 2019 and has promised to continue Foster’s Fund until at least May 2024. Since 2009 MPs have not voted on their own pay, with IPSA abandoning a plan to increase MPs pay by 4.1% last year following opposition from Kevin and many other MPs to it.
The latest round of awards saw: Links (£1,000), Torbay Women’s Circle (£300) and The Thrive Project (£200) receive funding for projects including providing a safe space for women who are experiencing isolation and poor confidence due to domestic abuse or coercion and support for those facing difficult circumstances.
Kevin is also urging local groups to get in touch and apply for a grant from the fund. To be eligible for Foster’s Fund the organisation (or project being funded) must be based, or aiming to do most of their work, in Kevin’s Constituency.
Kevin said: “These organisations all do valuable work supporting people in our community who may feel excluded or isolated from other means of support. I am pleased to be able to offer all 3 a contribution towards their work and specific projects they have planned.”
He added:
“If you are part of a local charity or good cause who might benefit from a grant of up to £1,000 for a project then do get in touch about applying for funding. Groups which have been successful in the past can apply again 12 months after they last received a grant from Foster’s Fund.”
Details about Foster’s Fund, along with details of how to apply, can be found by visiting www.kevinjfoster.com/fosters-fund or by telephoning 01803 214 989. By law any award from Foster’s fund must be paid into the bank account of a registered charity.
