AN organisation that supports good causes across the region has given out £20m in grants.

The County Durham Community Foundation manages charitable funds donated by individuals, families businesses and trusts, matching donations with causes.

Set up in 1995 by a group of businessmen, the foundation gave out nearly £30,000 in its first six months. In 2011-12, it gave £2.3m.

County Durham Foundation, as it was first known, managed numerous publiclyawarded funds during its early years, including grants from the Millennium Awards Scheme and the £1.3m Local Network Fund.

In 2005, the foundation marked its tenth anniversary with the announcement that it had given out more than £10m to good causes in the region.

Based in Durham City, the trust manages more than 160 funds, and holds £6.5m in endowments.

The foundation’s vice-presidents include former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Secret Millionaire John Elliott.

A spokesman said: “The week the milestone was reached saw examples of funds covering the full range of support the foundation provides to County Durham and Darlington, and demonstrates how it matches up submissions with its range of funding criteria to achieve the best result for the applicant.

“We promote lasting charitable giving, by bringing together donors with their chosen causes, through well-targeted grants that make a genuine difference to the lives of local people, acting as a vehicle for individuals, families and companies who want to put something back into their local community, either in their lifetime or through leaving a legacy.”

The most recent groups to benefit include:

  • Darlington Rainbows, a fully volunteer-led Girl Guiding unit for five- to seven-year-olds.

Due to budget cuts, the group was this year left without funds for room hire. It was given £546 by the foundation, from the Darlington Building Society Grassroots Fund, to cover the cost of hire for 39 weeks.

  • Chester-le-Street Riverside Band were invited to play in this year’s Durham International Festival, but were unable to meet the costs of music scores and taking band members to the performance venues.

The foundation awarded the band £1,500 to cover costs.

The foundation is managed by 14 trustees – professionals drawn from the business and voluntary communities.

  • To donate to the foundation or apply for a grant, call 0191- 378-6340 or visit cdcf.org.uk