KIND-hearted people across the borough will be able to take part in a national campaign which will see their donation to a Basingstoke initiative matched.

People are being encouraged to take part in the ‘Grow Your Tenner’ campaign which will help increase funds raised for the Basingstoke and Deane Community Fund.

The fund, which was created through funds raised by former Mayor, Councillor Dan Putty in his 2013/14 mayoral year and is managed by Hampshire and Isle of Community Foundation, aims to support voluntary-run charities and community groups that are working to make the borough a better place.

The ‘Grow Your Tenner’ campaign, which launched last Tuesday and will last three months, will allow people to donate £10 to the fund, with their donation being matched.

Additionally, if a donor signs up to a direct debit payment, up to £10 will be matched for the first three months which will earn an additional £30 per donation and can also be further enhanced through gift aid.

The funds will later be distributed as grants to projects across the borough.

Councillor Dan Putty said: “We’re incredibly excited to be part of ‘Grow your Tenner’ and hope that the local community will show their generosity and support.

“We hope that Localgiving’s ‘Grow your Tenner’ campaign will help us to maximise the opportunity and raise as much as possible.”

Toni Shaw, chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, added: “The Basingstoke and Deane Community Fund has been setup for the long term support of Basingstoke communities and will provide small grants to local groups for many years to come.”

To donate, visit https://localgiving.com/charity/basingstokecommunityfund.