April may have welcomed the sunshine, but dark clouds continued for many families in Milton Keynes. School holidays brought added pressure. With children at home, no access to free school meals and rising bills across the board, families in Milton Keynes are still struggling. Charitable giving is often front of people’s minds in winter, but summer can bring just as many challenges and fewer safety nets. The school holidays may feel carefree for some, but for others, they’re the hardest part of the year.
Milton Keynes Community Foundation is inviting businesses in the area to help it respond to the continued challenges in the city in a practical, targeted way, providing real support to families in crisis. Joining the Business Membership programme, from £1,500 a year, will help to strengthen the community.
Why business giving works best when it’s local
Many businesses are looking for meaningful ways to support their communities, but with limited time, it can be hard to know where to start.
With Business Membership, the contribution stays in Milton Keynes, backing initiatives that respond directly to need. That might be a project growing fresh produce for food banks in Stony Stratford, supporting a temple in Kingston to distribute meals for people affected by the cost-of-living crisis, or helping a local organisation offering emergency accommodation, welfare support and a pathway out of homelessness for those most vulnerable.
Local giving helps businesses build visibility and credibility – showing customers it cares and giving teams a sense of pride in where they work. It’s a clear expression of values and a simple way to demonstrate a commitment to the place in which the company does business.
And because the Foundation handles the vetting, grant-giving and ongoing relationships with local charities, members can be confident that contributions go where they are needed most.
MK Community Foundation has deep, longstanding relationships with hundreds of voluntary organisations across Milton Keynes, directing funding to the projects where it can have the biggest impact, meeting immediate needs, building long-term resilience, and improving quality of life across the city.
Here are just a few examples of how membership could be put to use:
210 families could receive meal kits from St Mark’s Meals, helping to ease food insecurity over the summer holidays.
15 volunteers could receive specialist training by SAASS to support survivors of sexual assault with trauma-informed care.
30 emergency counselling sessions could be offered to people experiencing homelessness through Unity MK, supporting their mental health and stability.
Whether it’s about supporting children, tackling inequality or improving wellbeing in Milton Keynes, the Foundation can connect businesses with local projects that align with their goals.
Members can choose to support an existing fund through a Business Membership or set up their own fund focused on the issues that matter most to them.
A conversation with the Milton Keynes Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Team is the first step, to discuss a vision for a fairer, more equitable MK and explain what membership could achieve.
Visit www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk to find out more.
