Waterside Community Fund

The Waterside Community Fund is an independent local charity established in 1968, evolving from the Allotment for the Labouring Poor to focus exclusively on relieving need, hardship, and distress among residents of Hampshire's Waterside area—specifically the parishes of Hythe, Dibden, Fawley, and Marchwood. Rooted in over 50 years of local service, its mission emphasizes practical support for vulnerable individuals and communities, guided by values of confidentiality, dignity, localism, and long-term welfare improvement. It acts as a vital safety net, proactively addressing gaps in statutory provision through flexible, needs-led micro-grants and community organisation support, led by trustees with deep local knowledge.

The fund prioritises direct alleviation of poverty and hardship, supporting low-income families, isolated elderly residents, and at-risk children/young people via essentials like food, clothing, white goods, furniture, utilities, shoe vouchers (via its unique Shoe Voucher Scheme), and gardening assistance. Organisations receive grants for projects, core costs, or emergency relief that demonstrably benefit local residents, including youth groups, welfare agencies, and community initiatives tackling deprivation.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and small, grassroots community groups with activities strictly benefiting Waterside residents; individuals need 12 months' local residency. There are no income thresholds but preference for modest, locally focused entities. Typical organisational grants range from £500 to £3,000, with individual awards £50–£300. Unsolicited applications are accepted rolling via email, letter, or phone, assessed at trustee meetings every 6–8 weeks, with decisions in 4–8 weeks. Exclusions include non-local activities, statutory-covered costs, short-interval repeats, large capital projects, or national/large charities without strict local hardship focus, ensuring targeted, discretionary impact.