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Twelve special causes receive ACT grants after nominations from colleagues Group-wide

Since ACT’s inception in 2017, over £980,000 has been awarded in ACT Community Grants to over 200 charities – each different in their mission, but all nominated by Ardonagh colleagues.

Through the quarterly ACT Community Grant programme, all Ardonagh employees worldwide can apply for up to £5,000 (or equivalent currency) towards a chosen charity to support a project or initiative in need of funding – with successful applications selected by ACT’s board of trustees.

With September, ACT awards its third round of grants of the year, with 12 causes receiving a total of £56,700 in funding – with projects supported ranging from refurbishing community centres to establishing a dementia-friendly wellbeing programme.

Read the stories behind each of the causes that have received a grant this quarter and why they matter to the colleagues who nominated them.

Supporting mothers-to-be and their families affected by a little-known condition
National Maternity Hospital – Placenta Accreta Ireland (PAI)

Nominated by Amanda Harton – Arachas, Ardonagh Global Partners

Most people will never have head of Placenta Accreta Syndrome (PAS), a range of conditions which affects pregnant people and caused by the placenta growing too deeply into the uterus – including Amanda, until she was diagnosed with the condition during her third pregnancy. This high-risk complication impacts not only the mother, but the wider family, with extra medical needs and coping with the possible outcomes.

Luckily, Amanda had PAI to turn to, who are doing amazing work in Ireland, to support PAS families, from 1:1 support to support groups and financial support for the additional medical requirements. Newer to their support is PAI’s podcast, which provides an invaluable source of information, guidance and opportunity for connection – and ACT’s grant of £5,000 will fund the next series in full.

Amanda, her husband Barry and baby Evie after she was delivered safely.
In 2020 I was pregnant with my third child and during a routine scan with my consultant advised that I had a condition called Placenta Percreta, the most complicated form of Placenta Accreta. I walked out of the clinic and went straight to Google - only to learn of the seriousness of the condition. As you can imagine, this was all a lot for myself and my husband to understand in a short period of time. For the remainder of my pregnancy, I had to attend the maternity hospital at least twice a week. Thankfully, my scheduled delivery was carried out by the co-founder of PA Ireland and they were fully prepared for every outcome. My daughter, Evie, was born safely at 34 weeks and is now a thriving three-year-old. Throughout my pregnancy and recovery, PAI have been a huge support to myself and my family and I now take part in their research, provide support to other women, fundraise and have told my story on the podcast. Their support, information and advice from other mums they put me in touch with really helped me to get through the more challenging times.
Amanda Harton

Establishing a new winter wellbeing group for older people affected by dementia
Park View 4U

Nominated by Olivia Bibby – Guy Penn, Ardonagh Advisory

Park View 4U is situated in a community park and committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of local residents by fostering community spirit and offering a range of services. Following reflection, the charity aspires to do more to support older local people, and in particular those affected by dementia, after the charity team being trained with a dementia charity. With the winter months arriving in the UK, Park View 4U aim to create a six-month, ‘dementia friendly’ wellbeing programme to help older people and their carers.

This new service will include horticulture skills sessions and outdoor activities, with the aim of spending more time outside (with seasonal affective disorder being of higher incidence in people with dementia), creating a support network to counter isolation, and activities to support mental and physical health.

Park View 4U isn’t just a park. It plays a fundamental role in bringing the community together, both young and old, and offers a safe place to meet and feel a sense of belonging. A lot of our clients use Park View and talk fondly of their involvement. We are incredibly lucky to have this facility on our doorstep and it’s not something we take for granted.
Olivia Bibby

Providing meals to elderly people at São Paulo community centre
Gaia Grupo De Assistencia Ao Idoso A Infancia E A Adolescencia (GAIA)

Nominated by Eliana Franklin – MDS Brasil, Ardonagh Global Partners

GAIA has been supporting the local community in Sao Paulo for over 20 years, with their current services reaching more than 1,000 people. The Senior Citizen Community Centre is a key part to the charity, providing classes, networking, and meals to older people.

Eliana’s own parents have been supported by the organisation, attending sewing classes, exercise sessions and lectures. The £5,000 grant from ACT will go towards the centre’s meals, funding six months’ worth of cooking.

Beneficiaries enjoying classes at GAIA
This cause is in my heart because today my father and mother participate in this institution, with activities such as creative sewing, gymnastics, board games and lectures. Since they started participating, I could see how much happier and more satisfied they are to be there. They learn, interact, dance, make friends, and return home happy and looking forward to their next date. GAIA has received municipal recognition for its positive impact on the lives of the elderly in the region. Not only do they promote social interaction, but they also provide essential support for reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. It's a wonderful place!
Eliana Franklin

Providing families affected by childhood cancer a chance to connect
Owen McVeigh Foundation

Nominated by Alex Cooke – Towergate, Ardonagh Advisory

Owen McVeigh Foundation does amazing work supporting children and families across Merseyside in the UK impacted by childhood cancer. The charity has a dedicated Peacock Lodge respite centre and also organise breaks and trips for families during cancer treatment, as well as following losses, to provide opportunity for much needed connection and levity.

The £3,500 grant from ACT will fund 75 people to attend the charity’s Blackpool Trip towards the end of this year, where families will have the chance to relax and spend quality time together.

The Owen McVeigh Foundation helps to support children in the Merseyside area fighting cancer. The charity is close to my heart as the team helped my brother and his wife create lifelong memories with my baby nephew at a very difficult time. The ACT grant will help other families in similar heartbreaking situations build magical memories through unforgettable experiences together.
Alex Cooke

Refurbishing a community centre in Rio de Janeiro
Centro Cultural Menino Benjamin Filho

Nominated by Marize Martins– MDS Brasil, Ardonagh Global Partners

Centro Cultural Menino Benjamin Filho’s mission is to support socially vulnerable children through education and community projects. It’s founder, Queli Ambrosio, grew up in the favelas of Rio, and experienced the challenges it presented to any child’s upbringing, including their own.

At any time, the centre helps 70 children stay off the streets and access opportunities that simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise. MDS Brasil colleague, Marize, has been a volunteer since 2020 and has just seen the cause achieve official registration. The £5,000 grant from ACT will fund refurbishment of the centre, repairing vital infrastructure and upgrading the school room.

Children outside the charity's centre.

Creating a new girls’ rugby programme in local state schools
Fylde Rugby Community Fund

Nominated by Richard Chapman – Guy Penn, Ardonagh Advisory

Fylde Rugby Community Fund prides itself on its mission of ‘rugby for all’ – and meaning it. From walking rugby to wheelchair sessions and programmes in schools, they have opportunities for anyone of any background and age. Now the charity aims to establish a new programme aimed at teen girls, setting up sessions in four local state schools.

The ACT grant will kickstart this new project, covering coaching and facilities, all with the aim of encouraging more teen girls to continue with or take up sport and to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

Fylde Girls ready to get onto the pitch.
Fylde Rugby Community Foundation has demonstrated outstanding commitment to enhancing the lives and prospects of individuals across the area. Guy Penn’s history goes back some 50 plus years, and we’ve been lucky enough to have had a connection with the foundation since its earliest days and have continued to support it over the years. Their dedication to promoting the sport and their ethos "Rugby for All" exemplifies their mission to benefit the lives of locals no matter age or gender. By supporting the Fylde Community Foundation, we are investing in a cause the goes beyond just sports, contributing to the holistic wellbeing and empowerment.
Richard Chapman

Establishing a ‘Tiny Site’ to ensure families in need can access provisions
BackPacks4VicKids

Nominated by Jane Spiers – Aviso Specialty, Ardonagh Global Partners

The Fitz & Co (now Aviso Specialty) team in Envest have had a long-standing connection to BackPacks4VicKids, with regular volunteering sessions and fundraising. The charity provides essential items to children who have been placed in care, affected by violence, or similar – ranging from clothing, to school items and much more.

The charity have recently launched their ‘Tiny Site’ project, which aims to establish local hubs providing resources in the form of stocked shipping containers. The £5,000 ACT grant will enable the purchase of a shipping container, which will be kitted out, ready to provide all sorts of provisions to those in need.

At Fitz & Co (now Aviso Specialty), we have a long history with BackPacks4Kids, regularly volunteering in their warehouse to pack essential items for children who are placed into emergency care, often with nothing but the clothes they stand up in. On a personal level, over many years I have contributed to many community projects through our local Rotary & Inner Wheel Clubs. For me working with BackPacks4VicKids gives me an opportunity to make a very direct and personal contribution to families right at their time of most need.
Jane Spiers

Repairing a quiet room for reflection supporting families affected by cancer
Donna’s Dream House

Nominated by Kirsty Scammell – BPIB, Ardonagh Advisory

Located in Blackpool, Donna’s Dream House provides experiences and support for local people affected by cancer and supporting bereaved families and siblings. Each year, the charity helps around 600 children and their families in their dedicated centre.

Unfortunately, earlier this year the chapel and quiet room was vandalised, and has not been usable since. These spaces provide vital safe spaces for contemplation and reflection and thanks to the ACT grant will be repaired and furnished so once again they can be utilised by anyone in need of calm and solace.

Donna’s Dream House is a local charity close to my heart. The work Len and his team do is just incredible and to be able to give families something to look forward to in what could be their child’s final weeks is priceless. The grant applied for would go to great use in refurbishing their chapel, somewhere for families to spend time in, whether for contemplation, prayer or a safe space to cry, the space is so desperately needed.
Kirsty Scammell

Enabling a rural school for disadvantaged children respond to power shortages
Sucheta Kriplani Shiksha Niketan School (SKSN)

Nominated by Satbir Sangha – Stanhope Cooper, Ardonagh Advisory

A co-educational school in rural India, SKSN offers education to 320 underprivileged children with physical and learning difficulties from primary to secondary age – and which Satbir has visited, with the school’s co-leader being a close friend.

Like many parts of rural India, power shortages are common and in a school setting can be very disruptive to learning and a challenge to teachers too to manage. The ACT grant will fund an on-site generator, so that the school can better mitigate power cuts and to ensure lessons can continue.

SKSN students learning thanks to the support of the school.
The school is co-run by one of my oldest and dearest friends, Sneh. Having been an actress back in the 90's, she produced a documentary series on India to commemorate India's 50th anniversary of Independence, which was part filmed at the school. After the filming, she returned to the UK. But by this time, the children had made such a huge impression on her that she ended up emigrating to India in 1998 to join and help run it. Since she has been there, she has made huge leaps and bounds in all areas – increasing the size of the school, numbers of children being educated, and inducting girls with disabilities – enriching over 3,000 kids to date. I, myself, went out to see the school some years ago and can personally vouch for the great work they do. Without the school, the children would be leading a very different life.
Satbir Sangha

Upgrading a community kitchen at a horticulture education centre
Mires Beck Nursery

Nominated by Bob Worrell – Towergate, Ardonagh Advisory

For thirty years, Mires Beck has provided therapeutic horticultural opportunities for adults with learning difficulties or disability. Through conservation and horticulture, the charity enables people to learn new skills and create connections outside of traditional care settings.

The nursery was badly affected by the pandemic, and since have not been able to make the much-needed repairs to their community kitchen. Thanks to the ACT grant of £5,000, Mires Beck will be able to revitalise the kitchen space so that it can once again provide hot meals to service users and volunteers.

The charity’s steadfast devotion to its community and to wildlife has inspired me to support it over the years. In 2023, I took part in a charity boxing fundraiser event for Mires Beck and this year I ran a half-marathon to raise fund for the charity’s 30th anniversary. Since 2023, Towergate has insured every aspect of the charity’s operation and seeing the hard work of the volunteers behind the scenes has made me appreciate them and their goal even more. I look forward to continue supporting their endeavours in the future.
Bob Worrell

Rebuilding facilities at an education service for neurodivergent young people
Bonterre CIC

Nominated by Becky Jones – HWF Partners, Ardonagh Advisory

For the past ten years, Bonterre CIC has provided outdoors educational programmes and community workshops in a rural small holding to support young people, often neurodivergent, who have struggled at school. Using horticulture and an outdoors setting, Bonterre enabled children and teens to learn in a different way, supporting their education and also their wellbeing.

Becky, who nominated the charity, has seen this first-hand, with her son benefitting from Bonterre’s open-minded approach to support. The £5,000 grant from ACT will fund the redevelopment of the charity’s on-site kitchen to enable Bonterre to provide an even better service and experience.

At the start of the year my ten-year-old autistic son was in crisis, he was struggling at school and he found the mainstream environment overwhelming. I had heard of the work Bonterre did with children struggling in school environments and knew after a visit that the setting would be ideal for my son. My son has attended Bonterre since February and in a short space of time they therapeutically built my son back up. He is now happy, confident and able to start to re-engage with formal learning. As a family we are so grateful for the work they do supporting vulnerable children.
Becky Jones

Sensory equipment to help children with Down’s Syndrome
Down’s Syndrome Centre

Nominated by Gillian McCarthy – Arachas, Ardonagh Global Partners

Down’s Syndrome Centre provides children of all ages, from birthday to 18 years old, with support and services – helping over 300 families in Ireland, including Gillian’s nephew. From speech therapy, to play sessions and family support groups, DSC does so much to enable families to connect and ensure young people can feel a part of society, not separate from it.

The £5,000 grant from ACT will fund a suite of new sensory equipment, which is of huge benefit to many children with Down’s Syndrome, to support their development and to complement occupational therapy.

The charity means so much to me and my immediate family. I myself have a little nephew Jack who has attended the DSC since the he was a little boy. The centre has become for us a lifeline, a community and a connection to other families who together are stronger because of this charity. I have seen personally how the charity interacts with families on a personal level and create a network where families feel they are included. This charity should be celebrated and shouted from the roof tops for what they have created for younger generations and their families.
Gillian McCarthy

How ACT supports Ardonagh colleagues to give back year-round

The ACT Community Grant programme is open to all Ardonagh employees worldwide to apply for up to £5,000 (or equivalent local currency) towards a charity with a project in need of funding. The ACT Community Grant programme runs on a quarterly basis, meaning there are four opportunities for you to apply each year.

This year, we will exceed £1million to date invested in local causes through our grant programme to date, and all to charities nominated by our colleagues around the world. Find out more on our Grants page.

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