J P Blanch Fund
The Fund
Created in 2010 in memory of a local vintage car enthusiast James Blanch, the fund serves as a lasting legacy to the industry he was so very passionate about.
A retired wheelwright, the reclusive Mr Blanch had led a quiet life in rural Norfolk since the 1950s. When he passed away in 2008, a hoard of rare classic cars were found scattered around his dilapidated estate – some of which were over 80 years old. The treasure trove included a Riley Lynx, a Willys Overland, two Swifts, and many other rare vehicles.
His executors brought the challenge of managing the estate in a way benefitting J P Blanch and his interests to the Norfolk Community Foundation in 2009.
The Foundation helped to establish the J P Blanch Grassroots Fund. Each year, The fund opens a grant programme to that supports organisations to inspire individuals to enter or return to the automotive and engineering sectors. The JP Blanch also sponsors young people across Norfolk to take part in the 2-year Arkwright Engineering scholarship programme, which provides students with funding and mentoring to support them to become future leaders in STEM.
More recently, Norfolk Community Foundation has revisited the purpose of the fund to ensure it is fit for purpose in a rapidly changing technological landscape, such as electric vehicles and agritech.
Fund Ambassadors
The fund ambassadors work with Philanthropy Advisor Sara Herschel-Shorland to promote the funds and to explore opportunities for fund development.
Natasha Waller is the Policy Manager at The Business Board Network. An experienced External Examiner with a history of working in the education sector, she’s skilled in coaching, agriculture, training, research and management.
Paul Birch is an a
Will Bridgman
Please contact us via Norfolk Community Foundation if you would like to find out more about:
- The JP Blanch Grassroots Fund
- Educational and vocational training support
Interested? Talk to Sara
