Funding pledge aims to double creative impact

A North East charity supporting creative careers is set to double the impact of its fundraising through a significant match-funding pledge.

Community Foundation North East has committed up to £50,000 in match funding to the Sunday for Sammy Trust, strengthening support for young people pursuing careers in the performing arts and wider creative industries. 

The pledge has been made through the Community Foundation’s North East Roots Fund, which aims to back initiatives that help build a vibrant and opportunity-rich region.

Under the arrangement, funds raised by the Sunday for Sammy Trust will be matched pound for pound, up to the £50,000 limit. 

If the Trust generates the full amount through its fundraising efforts, the Community Foundation will release the total matched sum.

John Hollingsworth, chief philanthropy and development officer at the Community Foundation, said: “Sunday for Sammy has an outstanding track record of championing creative talent in the North East. 

“Our North East Roots Fund, which is powered by our region’s expats, is focused on building pathways to opportunity and that includes in our region’s important cultural sector. 

“This match funding is designed to build on that success and help more young people access the skills, networks and technical pathways they need to build sustainable careers in the creative industries.”

The funding will support programmes focused on technical and behind-the-scenes career pathways, alongside continued backing for emerging artists at the early stages of their creative journeys. 

Final allocations will be confirmed following the Trust’s fundraising shows at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on February 15, helping extend its impact across the region’s creative sector.

Ray Laidlaw, producer of Sunday for Sammy, added: “This is an incredibly important show of support for Sunday for Sammy and for young people across the region who dream of building a career in the creative industries. 

“Match funding like this gives our audiences and supporters real confidence that every ticket bought and every pound raised will have an even greater impact. 

“We’re hugely grateful to the Community Foundation and the North East Roots Fund for believing in what we do.

“At its heart, Sunday for Sammy is about giving young people the opportunity to be supported, encouraged and believed in.”

To buy tickets for Sunday for Sammys biennial concert at the Utilita Arena on February 15, click here.

To find out more about the Community Foundation’s North East Roots Fund, see here.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →