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Council to award £259,000 in community grants for 2025/26

NewsLast updated 6 February, 2025

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Oliver Rouane-Williams

6 February, 2025

Ipswich Borough Council's Executive will meet next week to approve vital funding for local charities and community groups, with proposed grants totalling £259,000 for the coming financial year.

Why it matters: The funding supports essential services for Ipswich residents across three priority areas: supporting residents during the cost-of-living crisis, supporting vulnerable residents, and supporting health improvement.

The details: Five organisations are in line for new two-year funding agreements starting April 2025:

BSC Multicultural Services
ICENI Ipswich
Ipswich Community Playbus
Ipswich Housing Action Group
Lighthouse Women's Aid

What they're saying: "The Council recognises the many valuable contributions that voluntary and community organisations make to Ipswich," says Councillor John Cook, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport.

For context: Several organisations will continue receiving support through existing grant agreements, including:

Citizens Advice Bureau Ipswich
Suffolk Refugee Support
Ipswich Furniture Project
ActivLives
Suffolk Law Centre
Home Start in Suffolk
Rock Paper Scissors

The bottom line: The funding forms part of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Plan, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting voluntary and community sector organisations delivering essential services to Ipswich residents.

Oliver Rouane-Williams

Mentioned in this article:

Ipswich Borough Council

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Grants, Donations & Fundraising

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Ellisons announces sponsorship of Ipswich Sports Club

NewsLast updated 14 April, 2025

Ipswich's only independent news website

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Oliver Rouane-Williams

14 April, 2025

Local law firm Ellisons is backing Ipswich Sports Club to help make sport accessible to all, including schools, disabled individuals and disadvantaged community members.

Why it matters: Without sponsorship support, the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) would struggle to maintain its current level of access, facilities and programmes for the local community.

In their words: "The support from Ellisons, alongside our other sponsors, is absolutely invaluable. Without their generosity, we simply wouldn't be able to offer the same level of access, facilities and programmes," said Andy Isles, Chairman of Ipswich Sports Club .

Guy Longhurst, Lorna Denton-Cardew, George Burley, Andy Isles and Simone DowsingEllisons

The bigger picture: Ipswich Sports Club has established itself as a cornerstone of local sport, offering various activities and developing talent from grassroots to professional levels.

The club has produced elite athletes and regularly hosts prestigious international tournaments.

What they're saying: "We're incredibly proud to sponsor a club with such a strong reputation for developing talent and attracting international tournaments," said Guy Longhurst , Managing Partner at Ellisons .

"Sport has a unique ability to unite communities, you only have to look at ITFC at the moment for proof of that, so it's crucial that organisations like Ipswich Sports Club continue to thrive," he added.

Longhurst also noted a personal benefit to the partnership: "I also love a game of Padel and see this as a great excuse to make use of the facilities myself!"

The bottom line: This partnership reflects the latest commitment from Ellisons to support community initiatives with lasting impact, after just last week announcing their partnership with Brighten the Corners, whilst ensuring the sports club can provide an inclusive environment for enthusiasts of all abilities.