Invicta announces recipients of the first community fund grants

Monday 13 January 2025

Grow’s project to create an orchard and the Lihou Charitable Trust’s education plans have both benefited from funding thanks to a new community grant programme.

Invicta set up the initiative last year to support local charities with projects.

Invicta Wealth Solutions CEO Jim Elliott said: "We were inundated with requests for support. Every application was very worthy of our support, but we chose two who we felt we could make a lasting difference in their work and leave a legacy from our contribution. We encourage everyone to reapply, including new applicants, when we open the funding again next year."

Support for Grow will enable a fruit orchard to be planted later this year.

Mandy Mackleworth, Grow's General Manager, said: "The money will help us clear an area of land and purchase and plant an Orchard for the Grow Crew to tend. The fruit will be used to create tasty dishes in the café and to offer healthy snacks. The orchard will also provide another horticultural training experience for the team to work on."

In Lihou, funding will support an educational project enabling schoolchildren to participate in more activities while staying on the island.

Steve Sarre, Warden of Lihou House, said: "School children who come and stay with us on Lihou will benefit from new exciting activities that allow them to develop new skills and learn about themselves and their environment."

The 2025 grant application process will open in the spring.