A national property developer has given more than £90,000 to 18 local organisations in North-West Leicestershire.
IM Properties launched a £350,000 community fund on the back of its vast 238-acre Mercia Park distribution park being built at Appleby Magna, at junction 11 of the M42, in the west of the county.
When it is finished Mercia Park will include a 2.94 million sq ft global parts distribution centre for Jaguar Land Rover and a 450,000 sq ft sustainable logistics hub for freight forwarder DSV.
In all there will be around 3,400 people working there.
The first round of grants from the new community fund have now been given out.
The fund is being managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation and grants of up to £5,000 are being primarily directed at projects which strengthen communities or improve the natural environment.
Projects which have been successful range from a green gym to an organisation looking to support post-operative cancer patients.
David Smith, planning director at IM Properties, said they had worked hard to deliver a significant first round from the £350,000 available, which will be split over the three-year development period.
He said: “We’re very thankful to Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation who are managing the Community Fund and supporting the panel, which includes representatives from the schemes neighbouring local parishes.
“This first panel will deliver funding to some vital and varied grassroot organisations.
“All of the groups have great stories to tell about the difference they are making to people’s lives and we will enjoy learning more about their organisations over the coming months and the work they are doing to benefit their local communities.”
Katy Green, chief executive at Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, said: “We are pleased to be working with IM Properties, and to bring our knowledge of community grant giving to an organisation which is willing to engage and work closely with local people to leave a lasting legacy.
“Applications are now open for the second round of grants which will be awarded in the new year and we are looking forward to working with everyone to continue to support local groups working with and for their communities, especially during these challenging times.”
