Trusts and Foundations
Charitable Trusts and Foundations provide essential funds that enable Shine to enhance the lives of our members in every way possible.
We receive a wide range of grants to support our services and would like to thank all the Trusts and Foundations who demonstrate their belief in our work through gifts to Shine.
Below are just two examples of vital work which has received support in this way:
Donation from the Clare Milne Trust
In the beginning of 2011, the Trustees of the Clare Milne Trust generously made a donation of £5,000 towards Shine’s work in Devon and Cornwall.
The Trust was set up in 2002 by Clare Milne, granddaughter of the author A.A. Milne, best known for his Winnie the Pooh books. Ms Milne is herself disabled and takes a great interest in services for the disabled in, or close to Devon and Cornwall.
Within these two counties, we are aware of 332 individuals living with the often complex disabilities of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. This wonderful donation from the Clare Milne Trust is being used towards the work of our Support & Development Worker for Devon and Cornwall, Lynne Young. Lynn’s work covers a wide spectrum of issues including health matters, pregnancy advice, education, benefits, housing and independent living. This is lifelong support, often from before a baby is born, through childhood and into adult life.
We are extremely grateful to the Trustees of the Clare Milne Trust for their support and confidence in this important work.
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is a grant-making charity, which is funded by Freemasons and their families. It continues a commitment to charitable support that began nearly 300 years ago in the earliest days of organised Freemasonry. Since 1981, the Charity has given over £100 million in grants.
“Since the Grand Charity began operating in 1981 it has been a supporter of Spina bifida Hydrocephalus Information Networking Equality – SHINE, which is a popular cause within our membership. Most recently we made a £40,000 donation in support of research into the use of MRI scans of pregnant women, when it is suspected that their baby may have abnormal brain development. The research project aims to provide the first population-based information about the benefits of in utero MRI in detecting the causes of fetal ventriculomegaly (enlarged brain ventricles), in terms of improved diagnostic accuracy and changes in management. The funding of medical research is one of the core priorities of the Grand Charity and we are delighted to have been able to assist Shine over the years. We can only hope that this research leads to a positive outcome, aiding those who are working to cure spina bifida and hydrocephalus.” – Laura Chapman, Chief Executive of the Grand Charity.