ALTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY RELIEF FOUNDATION (CIO) – History
Previously known as the Alton & District Community Resilience Fund, ADCRF was established during the Covid pandemic to support people in the Alton area experiencing financial hardship.
Operated under the umbrella of Alton Town Council, from June 2020 to December 2022 ADCRF awarded over £41,000 in one-off grants of up to £500, including £12,500 in Sainsbury’s vouchers to Ukrainians arriving in this area.
These funds came from grants and gifts, ranging from £27.31 (a grateful recipient) to over £18,700 (from Alton Lions Club CIO). Donors also included Alton Rotary, local trusts, churches and a ‘Name that Song’ fundraiser.
Re-branded after lockdown in 2023, the Alton & District Community Relief Foundation (ADCRF) has been taken forward by partnership representation from Harvest Church, Alton Lions Club (CIO), the Parish of the Resurrection and Citizens Advice. It has continued to support individuals and families and was recently granted Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status by the Charity Commission.
The five trustees receive applications on a referral basis, and award one-time grants of up to £600 (including VAT) with the funds going directly to the provider of the goods or service required: to the mechanic who repaired the car, the shop selling the refrigerator, Sainsbury’s vouchers, etc….
The trustees also signpost applicants to area services and resources, including Citizens Advice Bureau, Alton Food Bank, the Community Cupboard, Resurrection Furniture, CAP (Christians Against Poverty) and youth and family support charities and organisations.
As set out in the ADCRF Charitable Objects, “where possible, we collaborate with other local charities, service organisations and funding sources to avoid duplication and to promote joined-up response, in a bid to maximise impact and good practice, to support those in need.”
Funding for the Alton & District Community Relief Foundation has currently come from Harvest Church and, via Alton Lions from Hampshire County Council’s Connect4Communities Fund.