Golden Foundation Collects Gold

The Golden Foundation has won one of the most prestigious accolades to be awarded in the charity sector collecting the Grantmaking Award at last night’s Charity Awards 2010.

Launched in 2009 as a joint collaboration between Irwell Valley and Community Foundation for Greater Manchester, the Golden Foundation is a community investment programme for local individuals and communities.

Over a thousand guests – including Greta Scacchi, Lynda Bellingham, Jon Snow and Peter Bowles - attended the awards ceremony hosted by comedienne Jo Brand at London’s Grosvenor Hotel.

Akhtar Hussain, Chair of the Irwell Valley Golden Foundation, commented: “My feeling is one of tremendous achievement of partnership working with an organisation that shares the same aims as Irwell Valley. We are looking at building on the achievements which we have made.”

Nick Massey Chief Executive of the Community Foundation added: “We are so pleased to have been presented with this special award for our partnership with Irwell Valley for Grantmaking. It gives real confirmation that we are doing our job.”

“This award shows everyone that we work with, and everyone who should be working with us, that their money is getting to the right place, and really making a difference.”

Daniel Phelan, organiser of the Charity Awards 2010 said: “Over the years many wonderful charities have been recognised by the Charity Awards, showing how much fantastic work takes place within the sector.

“What the winning charities all have in common is their ability to turn innovation, passion and vision into an effective project or organisation demonstrating considerable impact. It’s vital that we acknowledge these achievements.”

The Charity Awards 2010 was organised by Charity Finance, the leading business publication for the voluntary sector.

The distinguished panel of judges included John Low CBE, Chief Executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, Maeve Sherlock OBE, former Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, Dame Jo Williams, former Chief Executive of Mencap, Paul Winter, Chief Executive of The Leadership Trust, and Dame Mary Marsh, founding Director of the Clore Social Leadership Programme and former Chief Executive of the NSPCC.

Since it was launched in 2009, The Golden Foundation has already distributed thousands of pounds to individuals and community groups throughout the area to fund a wide range of projects from education bursaries to inter-generational and inter-cultural activities.

The award was presented by BBC Radio 4 Broadcaster, Eddie Mair.