The brilliance of this fund is that a little goes a very long way
When we think of tackling poverty, we tend to conjure big, anonymous charities in foreign countries giving food to starving children. But deprivation is on our doorstep, and the most effective way of tackling it is to give power to the people. Our grassroots grants go to small charities run by passionate individuals who are inspired and driven to improve their lives and those of the people immediately around them.
I think of one feisty woman, a former school teacher, who set up a project in Camberwell helping children from dysfunctional families on her estate who had fallen out of mainstream education. She has not only helped educate hundreds of children but has also served as a parental figure. I think of a former homeless person who found the strength to run a night drop-in centre in north Kensington. These people are our true London heroes.
That is why the Evening Standard's Dispossessed Campaign was such good news, lifting the lid on the levels of exclusion that we see in the capital. That is why this newspaper's Dispossessed Fund is so critical, illuminating - and actively funding by way of small grants - people who have the caring qualities and drive to make a difference.
Through the pages of the Standard readers will be able to see the impact of their donations. I know how a small grant to people tackling gangs and crime on a Brixton estate helped them secure premises, which gave them the local prominence and oomph they needed to become effective.
The impetus and the idea comes from them - we facilitate. Believe me, with these groups, a small amount is made to go a long way. To me this is the genius of the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund: our grants empower people driven to help themselves and their communities. And not just 10 or 50 groups, but hundreds, all over London.
The independent Community Foundation Network is the partner organisation for the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund.
* Stephen Hammersley is Chief Executive of the Community Foundation Network
