The Isles of Scilly Charity Trust kept families warm over the winter funded by a £2,000 grant from the Surviving Winter Fund.

The Isles of Scilly Charity Trust supports those living across the five Scilly islands since before they were established in 2022.

In 2022, the Edward McDonald Trust and Pilots Widow FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. were merged. While the Edward McDonald Trust was established in the 1940s from the estate of a banker, the Pilots Widows Fund traces its origins to a public collection in the late eighteenth century.

Grant awarded & impact

January of 2024, the charitable trust were awarded £2,000 from Cornwall Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Fund that offered small grants to the people at most risk from the effects of winter.

20 families across the Isles of Scilly were given financial support to help with the costs of staying warm throughout the coldest winter months.

The Isles of Scilly is renowned for its natural beauty, laidback vibes, and clear waters, making it a popular holiday destination in the Duchy. But in the cost-of-living crisis, residence found the winter months particularly hard, especially with the increased energy bills and food costs.

In February and March 2024, the Office for National Statistics found that 46% of adults in Great Britain had reported an increase in their cost of living compared to the previous month.

Thanks to those that donated to Cornwall Community Foundation’s ‘Surviving Winter Appeal’, funding to support vulnerable individuals and families was made possible. Hundreds of families across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly received financial support they so desperately needed.

About the fund 

The Surviving Winter Fund was established over ten years ago to support those facing additional hardship through the tough winter months. Annually we appeal to people to donate their winter fuel allowance, if they can spare it, to help those struggling.

See here for more information about The Isles of Scilly Charitable Trust

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants: Applying for a grant – Cornwall Community Foundation

If you are looking to support the Cornwall Community Foundation with a donation, explore ways to give.