Five local community members have launched a Foundation aimed to increase the number of young people accessing further education.
The Sheffield Black Foundation uses donations, ranging from £1, either as a one-off donation or a regular standing order, to create a fund which will be awarded to young men and women from the Black community.
Awards will be available to those aged 16 - 25, who are experiencing financial hardship whilst trying to access college, undergraduate studies at university, or training courses.
The awards, which range from £200 - £500, will be made to qualifying members of the Black community following an application and selection process. The Foundation’s transparent quarterly communications will show the amounts raised and any awards made.
“The idea was born from a discussion with a friend last year,” said Shane Spence, chair of the Foundation. “We discussed what we could do locally at a grass roots level to support and raise aspirations throughout our community.
"Looking at the disadvantages and under-representation of Black people in further education, I came up with the idea of a self-managed fund, taking inspiration from the Sheffield 500 Together project. I voiced it to friends and family, who all agreed it was a great idea and were keen to help.
"I refined the idea to focus on education, as this seemed to be a subject that came up again and again. I enlisted the help of a group of competent and trusted local people who have helped to bring the Foundation to life.”
The Foundation is managed by a board of five - Shane Spence, Dave Campbell, Carol Whiteley, Wayne Reid and Yvonne Witter, who are actively involved in community and national initiatives. There is a wealth of transferable knowledge and expertise and skills within the group who have created the relevant documentation, and developed processes and systems for the Foundation to become a reality.
Dave Campbell, treasurer of the Foundation and local business entrepreneur, has extensive experience of working with and supporting the local Black community, creating the Black Elderly and Vulnerable (BEV) project at the start of the pandemic. The BEV project helped elderly and vulnerable people who were house-bound by delivering home-cooked meals.
Dave said: “I strongly believe it is important we support young people from the Black community in their endeavours to better educate themselves. I’m more than happy to support this initiative as it is very much aligned with my core beliefs.
"Education is one the most powerful tools to uplift a young person on their journey, therefore helping them with this Foundation matters.”
The fact the launch coincides with Black History Month is an opportune coincidence. Shane added: “Black History Month comes and goes every year with many companies and individuals promising to tackle diversity, help the Black community and reduce inequality.
"We hope that the Foundation can attract support from local businesses. We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with any businesses that want to play a part in uplifting the local Black community and create educational opportunities for young people.”
Donations can be made by bank transfer or by setting up a standing order, using the bank details
Account Number: 51994012
Sort Code: 04-00-04
Anybody can donate, no matter your location or background. However, awards will be made exclusively to the Black community. More details on this can be found in the Grant Application and supporting information.
For further information on the Sheffield Black Foundation, visit www.sheffieldblackfoundation.com, email blacksheffieldfoundation@gmail.com or on social media at @SheffieldBlackFoundation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
