A charitable foundation set up in memory of Chasetown entrepreneur Noel Sweeney has reached a major milestone after donating more than £1 million to good causes across the Midlands and beyond.
The Noel Sweeney Foundation, established in 2021 by the Tara Group, has now supported more than 150 different organisations, including grassroots charities, youth groups, homelessness projects and health initiatives.
The landmark figure was reached following a recent donation to Lichfield-based Better Way Recovery, a grassroots charity that supports individuals struggling with addiction. All of its staff and volunteers are ex-service users, offering lived experience to those they help.
Charmaine Sweeney, trustee of the foundation and daughter of Noel, said: “My father was passionate about giving back and ensuring that those facing hardship were supported with compassion.
“To have reached £1 million in donations just a few years after launching the foundation is something we are incredibly proud of, but it is only the beginning, and we remain committed to continuing this great work in his name.
“To also achieve this £1 million total with a donation to such a locally rooted and impactful cause, brings added meaning to the milestone.”
Noel Sweeney founded Chasetown Civil Engineering in 1974, which grew into the Tara Group which now comprises Chasetown Civil Engineering, Cameron Homes and Keon Homes.
Since its launch, the foundation has supported a wide range of organisations including St Basil’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Spark Burntwood and Sense – for whom Tara employees built a sensory garden dedicated to Noel. The company also hosts community events such as the annual Chasetown Christmas lights switch-on and a free festive pantomime for local children.
The foundation accepts funding applications from community initiatives, charities and organisations working in areas such as youth support, social mobility and homelessness.
