The Fine & Country Foundation has announced a groundbreaking achievement in its mission to support organisations and charities as they combat poverty and homelessness, having raised an astounding £126,352 over the past 12 months.

With the money raised as well as additional money already in the pot, the foundation was able to give away £144,198 during 2023. This funding played a crucial role in addressing the economic impact on non-profit organisations posed by the pandemic, the rising cost of living, and global conflicts.

Jon Cooke, trustee of the Fine & Country Foundation, commented: “The donations and grants that the foundation provides play a part in providing essential financial support to many organisations and charities fighting against homelessness and poverty. Without the amazing effort and support of the Fine & Country network and the generosity of the public, the Foundation would not have been able to achieve this milestone.”

In 2023, the Foundation awarded over £92,708 to charities through two grant schemes and other programs, benefiting 51 global charities. November saw 23 charities receiving £47,220, while in Spring, 28 charities shared £45,488. The Grant Programme focuses on offering financial assistance to non-profit organisations, providing crucial support to enable these organisations to continue the vital work they do within their communities.

A highlight of the foundation’s fundraising efforts was the annual Carols by Candlelight event held in collaboration with King’s College Cambridge in December, raising an incredible £21,000. This sum was donated to Emmaus Cambridge, Jimmy’s Cambridge, Wintercomfort, and Cambridge Cyrenians, supporting vital services for the homeless in the Cambridgeshire region.

Fine & Country branches from the UK and Jersey contributed over £1,500 through a coffee morning in October, engaging the public with baked treats and refreshments. In June, Fine & Country Chiswick partner Harry Middleton swam across the English Channel, raising nearly £3,000 for Make-A-Wish and The Fine & Country Foundation.

The International Annual Conference in London held in March featured a silent auction raising over £8,800 for The Foundation. Additionally, the Foundation donated over £10,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria earthquake appeal following a devastating earthquake in February.

The Fine & Country network’s commitment to fundraising throughout 2023, including events like a Christmas-themed charity walk, Sleep-Out events, a charity disco, and a Tough Mudder 5km course, greatly contributed to the record-breaking amount achieved.

This year adventurous agents from the network will be embarking on a fundraising journey to the Everest Base Camp to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the Foundation. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised around £940,000, so the goal will be to reach the £1 million mark in funds raised during 2024 to celebrate this significant milestone. The Everest trip will be a huge boost in the organisation’s efforts.

Cooke added that the Foundation would not have been able to achieve such inspiring figures without the Fine & Country network. “While the foundation organises fundraising events throughout the year, many of the agents within the network take it upon themselves to get creative to raise money. Without their effort and support, the Foundation would not have been able to achieve this milestone. I am looking forward to counting down to the £1 million mark with our network as we celebrate 10-years of proactive support and fund-raising this year,” he said.