Today, Aviva launches the 2016 Aviva Community Fund, offering a helping hand to local communities across the UK* by providing support and funding for inspirational local causes. Now in its second year, the competition invites members of the local community to submit an idea that will make a difference to their local group or charity, with the chance to secure funding ranging from up to £1,000 - £25,000.
With 39 sites around the UK, the company has a large presence in many local communities and therefore has a strong interest in both supporting and giving back to these communities.
Providing valuable funding for local groups and charities is a great way for Aviva to help make a difference to local communities, with new research revealing that almost half (47%) of Britons believe that a lack of funding for local organisations is a real concern for their community’s wellbeing.
To mark the launch, Aviva has collaborated with one of the world’s most celebrated photographers, Martin Parr, to unveil a new collection of images that offer Parr’s unique perspective on British community life in 2016.
From urban Camden to a rural village in South Wales ‘Community Spirit – a digital exhibition by Martin Parr’ provides a chronicle of modern-day communities across the UK. In Parr’s distinct style, the photographs bring to life the inspiring work done by some of the local groups that were awarded funding by Aviva last year.
Lindsay Forster, UK & Ireland Customer Marketing Director for Aviva commented:
“We are passionate about improving and strengthening local community wellbeing and committed to extending our impact, working with our customers, shareholders and society to tackle challenges faced every day. The online exhibition by Martin Parr exemplifies our Good Thinking, generating awareness for the often unseen, always inspiring work of community groups.
“Following its success in Canada, Poland and the UK* where we saw over 3,321 local groups enter the competition last year with over 430 awarded funding, we've expanded the Aviva Community Fund to France, Italy and Hong Kong. I am sure the Aviva Community Fund in 2016 will exceed our expectations.”
Martin Parr, Photographer, added:
“Throughout my career I’ve travelled all over the UK, capturing the hidden stories and the beauty in the ordinary and everyday. ‘Community Spirit’ was an exciting project because it gave me access to the extraordinary work undertaken by groups that are the fabric of their local community. My job when I go to these events is to capture what’s going on. I try to capture a sense of the atmosphere and excitement that you feel when you’re with these groups.
Entries for the Aviva Community Fund are now open at www.aviva.co.uk/community-fund. Winners will be awarded funding in January 2017.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
* The UK, for the purposes of the Aviva Community Fund, comprises of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Northern Isles. This is different to the geographic definition of the UK.
Media Enquiries - For more information please contact:
Naomi Pedlow / 0203 128 6345 / AvivaCommunityEngine@enginegroup.com
About Martin Parr:
Martin Parr is a photographer, editor, curator and collector. He is often described as a chronicler of our age as his photographs offer the viewer the opportunity to see the world from his unique perspective which is original and entertaining, accessible and understandable. He has published over 80 books of his own work and edited another 25. He often promotes new photographers, for example in his roles as the artistic director of the Arles Festival and the Brighton Photo Biennial.
Further information about the five community groups Martin shot as part of the launch of the 2016 Aviva Community Fund:
- The Not Forgotten Association - a community group that organises leisure and recreation activities for serving and ex-service men and women who are wounded or have disabilities. The wartime concert Martin attended is a direct result of the funds that the group secured through the Aviva Community Fund last year
- Organised Kaos – a social enterprise that provides circus skills training for adults and children in rural South Wales
- Camden Town F.C. – a ladies football club that encourages women to get involved in football and breaks down financial barriers to the sport by allowing them to play for free
- Cramlington Rockets Community – a community arm of a local rugby team that encourages young people to take an interest in sport
- Loxley Silver Band – a community brass band that has been running in the Sheffield area since 1889
About the Aviva Community Fund:
The Aviva Community Fund is an initiative that lends a helping hand to local communities by offering support and funding for inspirational local causes. Projects could receive funding of from up to £1,000 up to £25,000. To get involved, submit a project or vote visit www.aviva.co.uk/community-fund.
About the survey results:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2082 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 22nd - 25th July 2016. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
About Aviva:
Aviva provides life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and asset management to 33 million customers, across 16 markets worldwide
- In the UK we are the leading insurer serving one in every four households and have strong businesses in selected markets in Europe, Asia and Canada. Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and we are a member of the FTSE100 index.
- Aviva’s asset management business, Aviva Investors, provides asset management services to both Aviva and external clients, and currently manages over £289 billion in assets.
- Aviva helps people save for the future and manage the risks of everyday life; we paid out £30.7 billion in benefits and claims in 2015.
- By serving our customers well, we are building a business which is strong and sustainable, which our people are proud to work for, and which makes a positive contribution to society.
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