About us

Based on a model of philanthropic giving started in the USA nearly 100 years ago, Community Foundations are now a well established part of the British voluntary sector. They have been established to cover specific geographical areas and to support their local communities at grassroots level. They are set up as Charitable Trusts to enable many donors to collaborate in creating a permanent capital fund for the benefit of the local area. This will generate income for grant making that will be available for the long term, responding to local needs and issues at the time.  

There are more than 55 Foundations in the United Kingdom which, between them, hold £140 million in endowed funds and make grants of £70 million per annum.

The York & North Yorkshire Community Foundation was set up in October 2000 and is a registered charity. Since our inception we have distributed over £3 million.

In 2006/07 the Community Foundation distributed £543,513 to 191 projects spread across 7 funds. This makes us one of the larger local grant makers in the County. 

The geographic area covered is both urban and rural. At first sight it looks settled, comfortable and prosperous but underneath, things are different – it includes major areas of poverty, isolation and deprivation. York & North Yorkshire Community Foundation was set up to help tackle the issues that face some of the most marginalized and vulnerable groups in our region. 

There are already many organisations doing vital work in their local communities but often their voice goes unheard and they spend valuable energy seeking funding to remain sustainable. Other groups have great ideas but lack the resources to get up and running. With our experience and knowledge of the local area, we are uniquely placed to help by matching donor funds to local needs, for the lasting benefit of the community.