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First ACT grants of 2026 see 12 community causes awarded funding

Four times a year, ACT awards funding to causes nominated by colleagues from across the Group and around the world through its Community Grant programme.

This quarterly opportunity is available to all 12,000+ Ardonagh colleagues, no matter where you are located or which business you work for and provides the chance to apply for up to £5,000 (or equivalent currency) towards a chosen charity which has an initiative or project in need of support.

Today we share the first grants awarded in 2026 – with 12 causes awarded a total of just over £55,000. Since ACT’s inception, this takes the running grant total to over £1.3 million to more than 300 deserving causes.

Read the stories behind each of the causes supported this quarter and why they matter to the colleagues who put then forward.

Supporting young people to combat addiction
Sir David Martin Foundation

Nominated by Tony Mitchell – EDA Group, Envest Group

The Sir David Martin Foundation is an incredible cause providing treatment and support to young people in crisis, affected by drug and alcohol addiction. They enable a safe and hopeful programmes of support for vulnerable youth, including through the dedicated Triple Care Farm residential rehabilitation service.

The charity is currently collaborating with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation to develop a national assessment of youth-specific services and is about to move onto its second phase. The ACT grant of £5,000 will go towards this next chapter, which will help them to build sector knowledge and engage advisory groups – ultimately to ensure any young Australian in need of help can access support.

A group of young people supported by the foundation.
I’ve been connected to the foundation for over 10 years and have seen the incredible impact the withdrawal, rehabilitation and aftercare programmes have had on young people. After visiting Triple Care Farm, I was truly impressed by the dedication of the team there and the difference being made to those receiving support – the work of the charity is so vital to the futures of the young people they help.
Tony Mitchell

The power of creativity and comics
Get Drawn In – Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Nominated by Clark Gardiner – 538 Underwriting, Specialty

Spearheaded by colleague Clark, the Get Drawn In project, in collaboration with Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, is a unique approach to providing a small but powerful act of kindness to children during their time in hospital. In an unfamiliar environment, and what may be a challenging time, this initiative harnesses comic books to offer levity.

A combination of clubs and regular workshops, led by Clark’s friend and independent artist, where children can learn to draw their very own comics will provide a special way for children to escape from treatment and support wellbeing. The £5,000 grant will enable the establishment of the project, which is due to kick off in April this year.

Clark with a stack of comics ready to share with young people at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Growing older I’ve realised that caring about others is one of the most powerful things we can do through life. Part of that realisation came from seeing how the Birmingham Children’s Hospital do just that for the children in their care, and I wanted to help in some way. In response to this we have set up Get Drawn In, a project which provides funding to allow the children, parents, carers and staff, to find escapism in comic books during their stay at the hospital. As an avid reader of comics and big kid at heart, ‘Get Drawn In’ became a small way we could do that with a comic library and art classes from a Marvel Comics artist for the children. With great power, comes great responsibility, so thanks go to Ardonagh and the ACT Team for allowing this project to make a difference.
Clark Gardiner

Rebuilding not just houses, but homes
Instituto Fazendinhando

Nominated by Silvia Piccolo – MDS Brasil

Jardim Colombo is a favela, but more so a community, located in southwest São Paulo. A vibrant place, it is being transformed thanks to the efforts of The Fazendinhando Project, which is doing incredible work to improve infrastructure and the structural safety of buildings – from turning former rubbish dumps into parks to connecting homes to power – all making a huge difference to the area’s 5,000 residents.

The ACT grant of £5,000 will fund renovations to favela housing in need of urgent repairs to enable safe and secure living for people in need and making buildings feel more like homes.

Before and after renovations led by the charity at a favela home.
A home is more than a physical space; it is the sanctuary where our most significant life moments unfold. Witnessing so many individuals living in such precarious conditions is deeply moving and Instituto Fazendinhando does amazing work to ensure people can live with dignity and in safety.
Silvia Piccolo

Community care when it matters most
Hatzola Edgware

Nominated by Adam Grossman – Finance, Specialty

Based in and around Edgware, Mill Hill and Stanmore in London, Hatzola Edgware provides emergency care in the community when national emergency services might not be available immediately.

The name Hatzola comes from the Hebrew word “lehatsil” meaning “to save”.  There are Hatzola organisations worldwide in almost every large Jewish community.  Hatzola Edgware consists of a team of volunteer medics who are trained to a high level and provide emergency care and assistance 24/7.

As a volunteer for more than three years, Adam has been trained up to be part of this amazing network of community responders. The £5,000 ACT grant will enable the response team with eight further volunteer medics by providing them with the equipment they need to deliver care – specifically two defibrillators.

Hatzola volunteers out in the community providing vital care via their response vehicle
I’ve been an active volunteer first responder with Hatzola Edgware since the end of 2022, responding to emergency calls in my spare time at weekends. When I joined, I had no prior clinical experience, but Hatzola provided comprehensive training and support, equipping me with the skills to deliver essential, lifesaving care within the local community. I’m proud to contribute to an organisation that plays such a vital role in protecting the health and wellbeing of local residents.
Adam Grossman

Remembering a loved teacher
Little Harrowden School Parent Teacher Association

Nominated by Pritesh Thakrar – Price Forbes Re, Specialty

At this Northamptonshire school, the PTA together with staff and students are remembering the passing of a much-loved teacher.

The ACT grant will fund a memorial garden and also enable the provision of counselling and ongoing wellbeing sessions for the school community following the loss. The garden will offer a quiet space for reflection well into the future.

Developing skills and confidence on and off the ramp
Hangers Heroes

Nominated by Joanne Weaver – RiskSTOP Group, Everywhen

Joanne, together with RiskSTOP colleagues, have long supported Hangers Heroes – an organisation that rallies behind grassroots community initiatives in and around Dorset. One of these if The Front Skatepark in Weymouth, which is a hub for young people. Not only a skate and BMX facility, it also provides training for youth who can in turn become volunteers, and even qualified Skate School coaches, to give back.

The £5,000 ACT grant will enable the upgrade of the main outdoor ramps, so that sessions can continue making a difference to young people from in and around the city.

The Front Skatepark in Weymouth

Essential palliative care for families affected by childhood illness
Very Special Kids

Nominated by Annette Baxter – Aviso Specialty, Envest Group

Based in Victoria, Australia, Very Special Kids provides holistic palliative care to young people with life-limiting conditions and their families. Its services offer vital support and comfort for over 700 families from across the state when needed most.

The £5,000 ACT grant will fund nighttime respite care. Last year alone, the charity delivers over 1,4000 ‘bed nights’ which are invaluable to 320+ children – providing a precious opportunity for family carers to take some time for their own wellbeing.

Working with clay for wellbeing
Arts for Life Project

Nominated by Gemma Caplin – HR, Group Functions

Arts for Life Project is a charity aimed at supporting young people to transform their confidence and wellbeing through the therapeutic power of creativity. Through art and play, the charity helps neurodivergent and children with special needs discover a sense of empowerment and resilience.

Working with clay is amazing way to regulate emotions and release tension – a sort of moving meditation. The pottery studio is a key part of the charity’s offering and the £5,000 ACT grant will enable significant improvements to the studio so that even more sessions can be provided.

The much-loved pottery studio, which will be upgraded to offer more clay sessions.
As a parent of two neurodivergent children the Arts for Life Project has provided a lifeline to my family. In particular my 9-year-old daughter has experienced complex challenges around emotional regulation, sensory needs and anxiety with her autism and ADHD. Through creative expression she has found a way to self-regulate, to build confidence and to feel proud of what she achieves. The project is not simply an arts programme; it been a vital protective factor in my daughter’s development and wellbeing.
Gemma Caplin

Getting on the water for an unforgettable experience
Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust

Nominated by Martin Baker – Finance, Everywhen

Having been connected to Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust (FACT) for over a decade, colleague Martin has seen firsthand the impact of offering the experience of the water to young people. Through its programme of kayaking, sailing and high ropes, over 2,000 young people are able to access this opportunity each year.

The ACT grant of £5,000 will provide bursaries to 50 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds from Essex and London to access the sailing and water activities led by the charity.

On the high ropes at the charity's home in Essex, UK.
I’ve been a volunteer and fundraiser at FACT for over 10 years, serving as a sailing dinghy skipper and taking schoolchildren and youth groups out on the water. I’m always struck by the incredible effect that an adventurous stay aboard the charity’s ship has – giving children the chance to experience something truly special on our beautiful salt marsh coastline. These trips offer far more than just a few days away, they help young people grow in confidence as they try new things, step beyond their everyday routines, and share unforgettable memories.
Martin Baker

Sharing the joy of skateboarding
East London Skateboard Club CIC

Nominated by Reuben Hooper – IT, Specialty

Founded last year by Specialty colleague Reuben and his two friends – this trio of passionate skateboarders are on a mission to support local people in East London from low socioeconomic and diverse area to experience the joy of getting on a board.

Partnering with community groups, they offer a range of skateboarding sessions, from lessons for children in local estates to workshops for teens.

The ACT grant of £5,000 will enable East London Skateboard Club CIC to fulfil its key activities over the next two years, as it establishes itself and continues to grow.

Community skating in action.
I nominated East London Skateboard Club because they are delivering genuine, grassroots impact in low income and culturally diverse communities across East London. Founded by local skateboarders, ELSC has created inclusive opportunities for people of all ages to connect, learn new skills and feel pride in their local spaces through community led skatepark builds, free workshops, inclusive youth coaching, and partnerships with councils, charities and national governing bodies.
Reuben Hooper

Scholarships for aspiring women coders
Associação Instituto PrograMaria

Nominated by Rodrigo Braga – MDS Brasil

ProgMaria is a charity on a social mission to transform the technology sector through diversity. Through its skills programmes aimed at minority backgrounds, it’s providing the chance for broader groups of people to upskill in coding and analysis.

The £4,242 ACT grant will fund 200 scholarships for women, particularly Black women and mothers or caregivers re-entering the workplace, to complete an online educational course “Data Analysis: First Steps with Python” – helping more women break into the technology sector and improve social mobility.

“As a data analyst working in technology, I have witnessed firsthand the lack of diversity in my field, especially the underrepresentation of women in data science roles. This absence is not due to a lack of talent or interest but rather structural barriers. My connection with PrograMaria began when I volunteered at some of their events. I was inspired by their commitment to creating an inclusive environment where women can learn, connect, and develop confidence to pursue tech careers. I am passionate about leveraging my skills and network to help build a more diverse tech community, one where all voices are represented and empowered.”
Rodrigo Braga

Raising awareness of mental health in rural communities
Tir Dewi

Nominated by Ruth Lewis – Cox Mahon

Tir Dewi is a free helpline, listening and signposting service supporting Welsh agricultural communities in and around North Powys to combat factors including isolation and loneliness.

Colleague Ruth has been a dedicated volunteer, and in 2026 the charity is headlining at a choir festival event in June to raise awareness of the cause’s helpline and services. The £1,580 ACT grant will enable the fully bi-lingual event to take place and make the most of a prime opportunity to spread the word of Tir Dewi.

ACT grants make a difference year-round

ACT’s Community Grant programme runs on a quarterly basis, with four rounds of grants over the calendar year.

Open to all Ardonagh employees worldwide, through the scheme employees of the Group can apply for up to £5,000 (or equivalent local currency) towards a charity close to their heart with an initiative in need of funding.

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