Andover Community Engage (ACE), a well-known local charity offering vital wrap-around support to residents across the town, has launched an urgent appeal to raise £30,000 by 23 June 2025 to remain open. The charity says delays in government funding and the drying up of reliable grant streams have pushed them to the brink, despite strong service demand and high community engagement.
The charity continues to meet and exceed its internal revenue targets and reports having its strongest team of volunteers to date. However, critical funding expected through grants has either been delayed or withdrawn altogether, leaving ACE reliant on emergency fundraising to sustain operations until a National Lottery funding application – if successful – can take effect later this year.
“We are in a critical state,” the charity wrote in a heartfelt statement. “We know this is achievable with the backing of our amazing community. Please rally around and save ACE.”
Community-Driven and Action-Oriented
Despite financial pressures, ACE continues to deliver crucial support to people of all ages in Andover, including young people, families, and those at risk of social isolation or anti-social behaviour.
Most recently, ACE stepped in to help during the Dairy Court fire on 1 June, opening their Bridge Street lounge as a support space for displaced residents and helping collect essentials including baby supplies, clothing, and shoes. Their swift response underlines how deeply embedded ACE is in the community.
What ACE Is Doing Now
To meet the £30,000 goal, ACE is:
- Hosting local fundraising events
- Reapplying for emergency and strategic grant funding
- Appealing to local businesses and the public for direct donations
- Requesting public backing for upcoming grant applications to the Town Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s ASB Fund
How You Can Help
- Share their appeal and fundraising posts
- Nominate ACE for corporate giving at your workplace
- Write reviews about your experiences with ACE
- Email your councillors to support ACE’s grant applications
- Express support to Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones for their youth drop-in space
- Donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/save-ace
ACE stresses that the crisis is simply a reflection of prioritising community need over available funding.
“We’re not just growing a service – we’re growing a movement,” said one organiser. “And with your help, we can keep going.”
