Dawn Brown was a learning skills tutor and administrator here at Bensham Grove Community Centre. An inspirational teacher, Dawn passionately supported people from across the region to get involved in learning. She was truly a gifted tutor and crafter who encouraged so many people to develop their creative skills, start-up businesses and to join the creative community that is the ethos of Bensham Grove and North East Creative Craft.

Dawn died of cancer on the 3rd of April 2017. Her wish was that there should be a legacy of her passion: a fund that would help learners who needed financial support to buy the resources they needed for their chosen craft. She felt that this would help more people with low incomes, achieve confidence, success, support and friendship among people who shared the bond of creativity. So, if someone who was out of work or perhaps had had long term illness (as she had some years before) wanted to develop their creative skills but couldn't afford a course or materials, this fund would help.

This fund will make grants and in doing, celebrate and honour Dawn in the best way possible, by giving opportunities for more people to be a part of the Bensham Grove Community Centre, to enjoy the opportunity to learn and explore arts and crafts, realise their artistic potential, make friends and feel part of their community.

The Fund is open to individuals and groups of learners (where the majority of the group are Gateshead residents). It is expected that the amount of funding applied for will not exceed £100 for individuals and £250 for groups.

Important statement
All information given during the application process is confidentially given. However this information is required to be shared between officers of the Dawn Brown Fund and the Community Foundation who will ratify the grant giving process.

Eligibility

• The Fund is open to residents of Gateshead who are enrolled on Arts and Crafts learning courses ( enrolment/participation evidence required).
• We require a statement from applicant explaining the need for the grant. This might be because;

1) The applicant is subject to a low income and may, for example receives state benefits.
2) The applicant does not manage their own finances and is prohibited from participating because of this

Application Process

Please email us and provide:

• Your name, address and contact details
• Where and what you programme you are participating on, and where this takes place.
• What financial support you need and how you meet the eligibility criteria
• How do you wish to receive the funds (Cheque paid to whom/BACS; account details/other by arrangement)
• What difference this grant will make to you.
• Finally, and most importantly, you will need to agree to give us receipts for your purchases within three to six months of the application

Email Chrisotoole@benshamgrove.org.uk
We will email you about the approval of your request within one month ( usually much sooner)