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Quaker Social Action secures a future of innovation, with an award from the Bank of America
Judith Moran, director of Quaker Social Action, receives the Neighbourhood Builders Award from Jonathan Moulds, President of Bank of America for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia
Quaker Social Action has received an unprecedented injection of funding to be spent on whatever we like! Our dedicated fundraising team work very hard to bring in the funding we need to maintain our highly successful existing projects and begin new lines of work. However, most of this money comes, understandably, with restrictions or targets attached. Our independence is something we value highly and we need to be constantly mindful of the need to take money only where this does not compromise the independence of our values and our action. We are very fortunate in the funding we receive from the Quaker community which, for the most part, comes without restriction, allowing us to plough lonely furrows where we believe an unfashionable piece of work still needs to be done or to take on a risky new idea that hasn't had the chance to gain credibility with mainstream funders.
That is why we are particularly pleased that this grant of £110,000 over two years has been awarded to Quaker Social Action one of the first two British charities to receive the Neighbourhood Builders award from the Bank of America. Effectively, they are building upon the funding which we receive from Quaker individuals and, in full support of our values, they are trusting us to see this money spent best where we see fit, thereby raising the profile and scope of the ideals of Friends, which are always our motivating force.
Jonathan Moulds, President of Bank of America for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia praised QSA for the kind of leadership and dedication that Bank of America believes is essential to the health and vitality of our community. Through this programme, our goal is to nurture excellence and inspire change at a local level. By supporting these charitable organisations and individuals who create opportunities in our community everyday, we are helping to make London a better place to live.
Judith Moran, Director of Quaker Social Action said, In collaboration with the community, we have developed unique programmes; including Home Store which helps furnish low-income households whilst avoiding debt and excessive waste, Street Cred, a pioneering microcredit project for women to develop small businesses and Knees Up, a unique approach to community development which begins by creating collaborative street parties and neighbours' events on local estates. All programmes aim to provide practical and sustainable support to those in the local community on a low income. We're delighted to receive the Neighbourhood Builders award because that's exactly what we've been doing for 140 years. It's a slow process but by working day in, day out over the years we feel we have achieved and learned a great deal. By taking the values of respect, equality and social justice which do not date and applying them to a community which is constantly changing, we have remained both relevant and engaged whilst grounded, realistic and practical. This award and investment will help enormously. It allows us to be bold and adventurous in our work, responding to needs as we see them rather than funding fads or trends. We are exploring the issues of housing for care-leavers, and the financial, social and familial problems created by death and bereavement for those living on low incomes and in poverty. We have a unique approach and this money allows us to grow and expand whilst remaining true to those values.
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Charity Registration No: 1069157 · Company Registration No: 3524063
