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28 July 2008

A scheme which can double cash earmarked for local community groups and projects has been given its first large pledge.Summerfield Developments, of Taunton, has promised £25,000 over three years and the Government will be doubling its net donation. The Grassroots Grants scheme is part of a drive to support thousands of groups and projects across the country, working to improve local communities.

Somerset Community Foundation heard at the beginning of July that it had won the government competition to run the scheme in Somerset. It has been allocated £1.2 million and has the chance to increase this to £2.2 million if local businesses and philanthropists follow Summerfield's example and put up cash to match the government's funds.

Richard Lloyd, chief executive of Summerfield, said this week the company was "really delighted" to be the first to support Somerset Community Foundation in the scheme. Their donation will be used to set up a 'named fund' with Somerset Community Foundation to help local charities and voluntary groups working with children and young people in the Taunton area.

Justin Sargent, Director of SCF, explained that his charity works with private and corporate donors to make sure the money goes to where it is most needed.Mr Sargent continued: " I urge individuals and businesses who want to put something back into their local community to consider using this scheme to increase the value of their donation. As businesses making donations get corporation tax relief, the scheme can double the net cost of a corporate donation. Summerfield has responded swiftly to this opportunity and we are grateful to them. I am looking forward to working with them to support the most deserving local grassroots projects.

The Foundation was set up in 2002 to support the work of local charities and voluntary groups. To date it has distributed over £1.9 million to some 400 projects across the county.

Pictured outside Summerfield's offices in South Road, Taunton, are Summerfield's finance director, Mark Blackwell, Justin Sargent, Foundation trustee Charles Clark, and Richard Lloyd, Chief Executive of Summerfield.

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