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Stamford Action History and Purpose
We are a small group of local business people and professionals, some now retired, who run events and raise money for local charities.
In 2025, we transitioned from a long-standing tradition of Stamford Kiwanis, part of Kiwanis International, doing really good work around the world. As 'Stamford Action', we are able to focus our limited resources on our 3 events and thereby support local charities that have significant needs.
We have a wonderful network of 'Friends of Stamford Action' who provide time , energy and ideas, we have the support of 'business partners and philanthropists' who provide the resources to help make things happen.
You can follow us for updates and the famous Santa Tracker on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StamfordAction
We raise money from local people and local organizations and distribute all the funds to local good causes.
Recipients have included:
Friends of Stamford Recreation Ground.
Christ Church Children’s Christmas Party
Local Playgroups, Schools, Scouts and Guides
Homestart
Stamford Home Essentials Project
Laptops for Schools during the Pandemic
PTA for St Gilberts Primary School
... Over the past 10 years, we have helped over 50 organisations, some several time
We prefer to supply funding for an organisation’s projects or needs rather than general funding for staff salaries or overheads.
We do not support individuals directly.
Each year, we organise 3 events:
The Stamford Bonfire and Fireworks Display – Stamford’s main November firework spectacular, held at Stamford Welland Academy. It starts with a large traditional bonfire. Hot food, mulled wine and funfair rides all add to the enjoyment for children and adults alike.
Father Christmas Tour – pulling Santa on his sleigh, we visit different streets every night for two weeks before Christmas. Our elves make house-to-house collections, and young children see the magic of Santa at bedtime outside their own homes.
Father Christmas also visits Willoughby School for children with special needs, the Stamford Downs Syndrome Group’s Christmas Party and helps deliver presents to the Christ Church Children’s Christmas Party.
Big Day Out on the Meadows, with Raft Race, Acoustic tent
Big Day Out on the Meadows, with Raft Race, Acoustic tent
In the past, among other events, we have organized Summer Family Fun Days in Burghley Park and the Stamford Parade that ran for many decades.
Bringing People Together
We receive much support from both local businesses and organisations with both financial and direct help with all our equipment and costs. This together with many friends who are willing helpers in setting up and assisting ‘on the day’, enables us to run events. These events bring the townspeople together, and through them, we typically raise £15,000 annually.
Stamford Action Community Services Funding Policy
Money is held in the Community Trust Fund upon trust for the poor and needy or other such charitable purposes beneficial to the community of Stamford and District.
All money is raised locally and spent locally on good causes in and around Stamford.
We prefer to support organisations but will consider individuals in exceptional circumstances.
We enquire whether projects should be funded by Government and only make donations if we are certain that there is no prospect of this.
We prefer to give small donations that will make a big difference to local voluntary organizations. We treat other requests on their merits.
Requests should be made to the Stamford Action Community Services Committee in writing. If possible all members will be sent copies. Members with an interest are encouraged to discuss requests in advance of the Sub-Committee Meeting and attend if necessary. Before large donations are granted a representative of the organisation should attend Sub-Committee Meeting to answer questions. Occasionally before a very large donation a representative is invited to attend a meeting of the whole club. A final decision is made at a monthly Business Meeting.
History of when the club was affiliated to Kiwanis International
The transition to Stamford Action happened in September 2025
Kiwanis was founded in the USA in 1915, in Detroit, Michigan. But why the name Kiwanis? It was derived and adopted from the American Indian language ‘Nunc Kee-wanis’, meaning ‘we trade’ or ‘we share talents’, with a pledge to help those in their community. The headquarters are now in Indianapolis, Indiana.
As the Clubs in America grew so the organisation became international. There are now over 7,000 clubs worldwide and 600,000 members. There are 5,000 clubs in North America and some 1,300 in Europe.
In 1976, Kiwanis in Stamford, Connecticut contacted Alan Bingham, a bank manager in Stamford, England and as a result Stamford & District Kiwanis became established. The Club was subsequently chartered in 1977. The Club’s original aim was to “support the poor and needy in Stamford and the surrounding area”.
Currently, there are 9 Clubs in the UK mainly in London with the one other exception of Rockingham Forest, which Stamford helped set up some years ago.
In 2005 Kiwanis International changed its motto to “Serving the Children of the World”. However, Stamford Kiwanis chose to adhere to its original charter of supporting those in need of help here in Stamford and the surrounding area without any age limitation.
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