Aviva launches 2016 Aviva Community Fund with photographer Martin Parr
Melanie May | 15 September 2016 | News
Aviva has launched its 2016 Aviva Community Fund, which offers support and funding to local communities, with the support of photographer Martin Parr.
Now in its second year, it invites members of the local community to submit an idea that will make a difference to a local group or charity they are passionate about, with the chance to secure funding ranging from up to £1,000 – £25,000.
This year’s launch comes after new research by Aviva revealed that almost half (47%) of Britons believe a lack of investment for local organisations is a real concern for their community’s wellbeing.
The inaugural Aviva Community Fund in 2015 saw over 3,321 local groups enter the competition with over 430 awarded funding last August. Entries for this year can be submitted at www.aviva.co.uk/community-fund, with winners awarded funding in January 2017.
To mark the 2016 launch, Aviva has collaborated with Martin Parr, to unveil a new collection of images that offer his perspective on British community life in 2016. Community Spirit – a digital exhibition by Martin Parr provides a chronicle of modern-day communities across the UK, bringing to life the work done by local groups across the UK, with those featured all awarded funding by Aviva last year.
To help local groups write their entries and publicise their cause, an online toolkit has been created featuring guides by members of the ACF (Aviva Community Fund) Team, including Parr who offers hints and tips on how to tell a compelling story through photography.
Lindsay Forster, UK and Ireland customer marketing director at Aviva, said:
“The online exhibition by Martin Parr provides a glimpse into the often unseen, always inspiring work of community groups. As our research shows, almost half of Britons believe that a lack of funding for local community organisations is a real concern for community wellbeing. Through the Aviva Community Fund, we want to help support and strengthen local groups, and encourage positive changes in local communities across the country.”
Photos: The pictures show five groups who benefitted from the Aviva Community Fund in 2015. www.aviva.co.uk/community-fund. #CommunitySpirit. All pictures © 2016 Martin Parr @ DMB, Magnum Photos.
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About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.