Gold-i, the Guildford-based trading systems integration innovator, has partnered with The Community Foundation for Surrey to launch The Gold-i Foundation for Innovation – a new philanthropic initiative to help charities and local organisations in Surrey to push boundaries and do something innovative or remarkable.
Based at the Surrey Technology Centre, Gold-i is renowned across the world for its portfolio of innovative software products which have disrupted the global retail FX market. The company has won many awards, including a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, in recognition of its ongoing focus on innovation. Gold-i is now taking its focus on innovation one step further, aligning it with its CSR (corporate social responsibility) strategy.
Tom Higgins, CEO, Gold-i explains, “We are proud to be a Surrey-based business and have always been passionate about supporting the local community, whether through sponsorships or initiatives with the University of Surrey. As we move forward, we want to continue with the links we have already forged but also take a more strategic approach to our corporate giving.
“We decided to create our own Foundation for Innovation to provide funding and support for initiatives which push boundaries, providing clear benefits for people in the Surrey community. We are delighted that the Community Foundation for Surrey was happy to administer the Foundation and we look forward to a long-term partnership with them.”
Mr. Higgins is an industry-renowned innovator whose vision for the future of technology has been discussed this week in a TV interview with LeapRate’s Andrew Saks-McLeod.
Laura Thurlow, Deputy Director, Community Foundation for Surrey adds, “The Community Foundation for Surrey was formed to inspire local giving for local need and we are delighted to have forged a partnership with Gold-i to help make a positive impact on the lives of local people.”
The Gold-i Foundation for Innovation was officially launched by the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Nikki Nelson-Smith, who welcomed the initiative.
She commented, “I am delighted this new initiative is wholly in line with what I am trying to do this year with my theme of ‘Inspiring Guildford’s Future Innovators.’ Tom Higgins has shown that by having a really good idea together with a mixture of hard work and enthusiasm you can achieve success in just a few years. His passion overflows as he now shows philanthropy in helping others set out on a similar path.”
Applying for Grants
Grants will be awarded to Surrey-based charities seeking funds to push the boundaries within their organisation – whether looking to fund a specific, new area of research or to introduce a new initiative which will help to make the charity’s services accessible to more people.
The funding could also be used to offer a new service to help improve the lives of existing beneficiaries of the charity or an innovative technology based project which will drive the organisation forward.
A team of employees at Gold-i will assess the applications they receive from The Community Foundation and grants will be awarded on a quarterly basis.