As part of their Social Impact Plan, Ellandi has just completed a pilot grant scheme at the Priory Shopping Centre they purchased with Tristan Capital Partners in April this year.

The Priory Centre Community Grant (PCCG) launched in July and enabled hopefuls to apply for up to £2,000 of the £8,000 grant fund via the social networking platform “Project Dirt” (www.projectdirt.com).

Mark Robinson, Property Director at Ellandi said “When Project Dirt approached us, we saw this as a great opportunity to give back to the community whilst engaging local stakeholders. Project Dirt’s philosophy closely aligns with Ellandis ethos that community engagement is crucial.”

The application process closed on the 16th August with 34 entries from locally based informal community groups, charities and not for profit organisations. The entries were shortlisted by Ellandi and Project Dirt before the judging took place. The panel of six included the leader of Dartford Council Jeremy Kits & the Town Centre Manager Lewis Kirnon amongst other local stakeholders.

A total of 8 winners were selected from the shortlist of 12 projects after a decision was made to add extra funding to the grant. The winners range from a local group of Beekeepers & a voluntary community transport system for the frail, elderly and those with moderate disabilities; to a local rugby club & dance and movement classes for children with physical and learning disabilities.

Simon Anderson, Asset Manager commented “When we got round to judging, we decided to increase the grant amount as there were so many really great causes. We will also be contacting the unsuccessful candidates and see how we can help them, be it through space in the mall or even just advice and guidance.”

Mark Shearer, Co-Founder Project Dirt added “We were delighted to work with Ellandi to launch this grant scheme to the local residents in Dartford. Siting in the middle of communities, shopping centre owners have an unparalleled opportunity to engage with and support local community activities. Ellandi has done just that with the PCCG - by providing straight forward and quick-access grants for local projects making a difference in Dartford.

We were flooded with some fantastic applications, and we’re delighted with Ellandi’s generous decision to increase the grant pot to fund nearly all the shortlisted projects. We can’t wait to see the projects achieve their goals.”

Winners Comments Dartford Valley RFC – Ladies team and wheelchair rugby development: "Dartford Valley RFC is delighted to receive the very generous grant from the Ellandi PCCG. It will help the club to expand our Ladies' Rugby section and help with the launch of our Wheelchair Rugby team in November 2015 - both very exciting projects for us and the community we serve. The Mens' Senior Rugby and the Youth Rugby both continue to expand at a fast rate. The future is very bright for DVRFC!" John Davis-Ashdown, Dartford Valley RFC – Club President DartfordMensShed – Veterans redesigning allotment space for disabled people: “Winning this money to help disabled people enjoy allotments will no doubt improve their lives and those on the Dartfordmensshed who volunteer to help them with a determined drive to succeed. Working for Groundwork South (Kent and Medway) has given me the skills to forward onto others.” Darren Riley, DMS – Founder Based on information supplied by Pippa Woodstock.