A LEADING charity has been recognised as one of the very best in the country – placing Wiltshire firmly on the national map for good practice in giving.

Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation has been awarded the highest possible rating in the independent Foundation Practice Rating (FPR), achieving a rare ‘Triple A’ (AAA) score for its work in transparency, accountability and diversity.

The accolade puts the organisation among an elite group.

This year, just three funders out of 100 assessed nationwide reached the top rating and, since the scheme began, only four have ever achieved it.

The FPR, carried out independently by Giving Evidence and developed by the Friends Provident Foundation, examines how charitable funders operate behind the scenes.

It focuses not on where money goes, but how decisions are made – shining a light on fairness, openness and accountability.

For a charity that distributes around £2.5 million each year to support communities across Wiltshire and Swindon, the recognition is a significant milestone.

Joint chief executive Vicky Hickey said: “We are delighted. Being recognised as one of only three funders nationally to achieve an overall AAA rating this year reflects the importance we place on openness, accountability and fairness in our work.

“As a community foundation, our role is to connect people who care with causes that matter across Wiltshire and Swindon.

“Ensuring our grant-making is transparent, inclusive and accountable is fundamental to building trust with the communities, charities and donors we work alongside.

“These principles are central to our strategy and to the way we work, including our commitment to open and trusting grant-making.

“This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our team, trustees and volunteers who work hard to ensure we make a meaningful difference.

“While we are proud of this recognition, we know that the needs of our communities continue to change, and we remain committed to listening, learning and strengthening how we work.”

The foundation supports a wide range of projects tackling inequality, strengthening communities and helping people overcome disadvantage – and this latest honour suggests it is doing so in a way that is not only impactful, but trusted too.