Inverness based ‘micro grant’ fund open for applications
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They may be described as micro grants from Inverness based Cairngorm Group, but they have a big benefit for the many good causes that receive them.
The grants are made by Jennifer’s Fund formed in memory of Jennifer McBurnie who was the daughter of group chairman David Dowling and sister of current joint managing directors Scott and Chris Dowling.
Jennifer was sadly lost to the family to cancer in July 2021 when she was only 42 and it was decided that a memorial fund be set up.
Now Jennifer’s Fund has reached the two year mark, during which time £20,000 went to many good causes in the north.
It is also the time of year that the fund is open for applications for the next round of funding, with a closing date of May 31, 2024.
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Group joint managing director Chris Dowling said: “If you know of any charities or community groups that would benefit from a micro grant of up to £1000 then please point them in our direction.”
One of the main visions of the fund organisers is to continue Jennifer’s major priority which was to make memories with her family, husband Adrian and their three children - memories that will last a lifetime.
Her family also is keen to see the micro grants used for helping fund special trips or activities which might otherwise be unaffordable.
Chris said: “I heard on the radio recently that one in four children in this country are now living in poverty. If that is true, and I have no reason to doubt it, then basic things like food and clothes are obviously a priority.
“One of the things that is quite surprising these days is holiday hunger among children when they are not receiving the support of the school system.
“If we can bring a bit of support to the food banks and charities that help good causes like this, then all the better.
“That is the sort of thing we like to support.””
Chris said that loneliness is another big problem with some people, and he highlighted a Morning Call group who have a team of volunteers who at the start of each day phone someone who lives alone and could benefit from a friendly voice.
More information on the fund and how to apply is available here
