Community Gardening Fundraising Success

Grow Chichester has secured over £15,000 of funding to implement two community orchards and gardens. Read about Ellies fundraising journey….

‘When I first help set up a 30 tree community orchard in Chichester's Oaklands Park in November 2011 I never thought that just three years down the line I'd be setting up a local charity solely dedicated to locating growing spaces and helping people to grow in and around Chichester.

With Gemma's Funding Mentor support I've gone from being a passionate volunteer in community growing projects, to becoming a paid co-ordinator, to working towards setting up Grow Chichester as a charity in it's own right. We now have three flourishing growing spaces in the Chichester area, and paid positions to help with landscaping and therapy sessions with the elderly, as well as my position heading up the project in a co-ordinator capacity.

Gemma's honed knowledge working with community groups and grassroots organisations, along with her enthusiasm and passionate nature, has been an absolute asset. Supporting us not only in a professional capacity she's also been known to be enjoy an afternoon or two at the garden planting, potting up, watering and digging, Gemma understands at heart the importance of community, the essence of the Grow Chichester initiative.

With Gemma's unwavering support and guidance, I've been able to hone and clarify my ideas and aspirations, making projects real and tangible, and making me realize what is really possible. I still can't believe what's been achieved in just three short years.’

Gorw Chichester has received funding for garden tools, equipment, seeds and project staff. Grow Chichester has also received support from local businesses donating ‘goods in kind’ such as wood and soil to create raised beds.

Read more about Grow Chichester http://www.transitionchichester.org/?q=node/365

Do you need support to raise funds for your community garden project?

Author Ellie Garwood Founder of Grow Chichester

Editor Gemma Kingsman Funding Mentor and Founder of Consultaid CiC.