IDCF celebrates 20 years serving the community

Set up in 1990 with funding from the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC), the IDCF has been instrumental in establishing and improving facilities, including the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre and Millwall Park, as well as providing a link between Canary Wharf businesses and Isle of Dogs residents.

The IDCF's director, Tracey Betts, spoke about the organisation's achievements and her hopes for the future.

She said: "We have come a very long way. In our first year our grants totalled £60,000, but last year we distributed £1.2million. We've achieved a great deal in 20 years, but there's still a lot to be done and we're not going to rest on our laurels.

"Our work has helped improve a lot of things on the Island and we're actively involved in ensuring the continued delivery of vital community facilities in new building developments like the Millennium Quarter and the Skyline project."

The IDCF encourages groups to work together to achieve common goals, particularly in education, employment and training and community development. Its services often fill gaps left by the withdrawal of local government funding.

It funds community activity through money from three sources - a permanent endowment from the now defunct LDDC; income from section 106 planning applications; and corporate donations. It is the latter Ms Betts hopes will increase over the next few years.

She said: "We have key supporters such as Morgan Stanley, Barclays Capital, Credit Suisse and Canary Wharf Group and we've got smaller supporters, such as State Street, who fund particular projects.

"Last year, with the recession really hitting hard, we were worried we would not receive the same level of funding as previous years. But our corporate sponsors upped their donations and saved the day, meaning we could meet all our commitments and plan ahead.

"We would like more Canary Wharf companies to get involved with what we do to sustain our level of funding. It's the best way of giving something back to the community around here, as we make sure every penny we receive is used where it's needed most.

"Our strength is we are from the community. We have an unrivalled knowledge of the area. So just give us a call if you are interested in finding out more."

The IDCF is looking for volunteers as well as funding. If you think you can help contact Tracey Betts on 020 7345 4444.

Some key achievements of the IDCF since 1990:

956 residents supported into employment

265 jobs created

3,600 residents undertaken formal training

80 new businesses established

6,400 residents engaged in volunteering