What we do
We are a charitable hub for the whole county – dedicated to helping to ensure that Worcestershire is a better place to live and work. We are passionate in supporting communities to not just survive but thrive. We champion local causes, raise funds and provide a voice for the voluntary and community sector. We are part of a network of 47 national place-based Community Foundations which provide invaluable support to communities all over the UK by raising and giving out substantial funds every year. Over the past 30 years, our network has given out grants of over £1 billion to causes that really need help.
See our short video highlighting some of the projects we supported in 2023.
Click here to view.
About WCF
We are an independent charity which strengthens local communities by providing funding for community-led projects throughout Worcestershire.
WCF was established in 2003 to help people and organisations give to essential causes where there is real need. We work with funders to deliver innovative funding programmes to charities and community groups.
Our knowledge of the sector means that we know where funding can make or break a community initiative; we like to make greater impact by supporting smaller, lesser known charities who often struggle to be financially sustainable, ensuring our awards create lasting change.
Our Impact
£ 2308100 +
Total grants
(2020/2023)
£ 808091
Total grants (2022/2023)
£ 4927
Average Grant size
164 +
Number of grants
(2022/2023)
We hold funds which give out grants to support areas of the county that really need help. We work with leading social impact organisations and delivery groups to target our funding and make maximum impact. We currently distribute funds which:
- Support isolated older people in rural areas
- Help young people become empowered and engaged with their local community
- Support women and girls in challenging circumstances who wish to regain control of their lives
- Help people facing mental health issues
- Support arts delivery and innovative cultural projects
- Support local sports clubs and organisations to empower people to become more active and improve their wellbeing
- Support positive initiatives to develop community cohesion or address early-stage crime prevention
- Support vulnerable families during economic crisis and provide vital supplies (including food & goods)
- Support work in areas of disability, poor health, abuse, homelessness, isolation, minority groups, poverty & fuel poverty, refugees, schools, veterans and volunteer networks.
Testimonials
Afghanistan and Central Asian Association“Thank you once again in enabling our charity to run this project. Your support had gone a long way in meeting the needs of most vulnerable and marginalised residents in Worcestershire.”
Oasis Warndon Community Hub“The support of the Worcestershire Community Foundation has allowed a real emergence of community empowerment, engagement and collaborative participation. The Get Set Grow project will impact this community intergenerationally and allow a safe space to learn, grow and provide for the future.”
Jo-Anna Hine, Youth Manager, Malvern Cube Projects“Thank you for your support, this funding has made a huge difference to so many young people. The cost of living is impacting on so many of our young people and families and so being able to provide a hot meal and clothing has been a real support to many of them.”
Dawn Turner, CEO Stepway“It has given people an alternative path away from crime. It has not only improved mental wellbeing but has saved lives too.”
Helen Gill, CEO The Monday Night ClubOur partnership with Worcestershire Community Foundation has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Their unwavering support and guidance throughout the grant period have played a pivotal role in the success of our initiatives. WCF’s commitment to community development aligns seamlessly with our mission, fostering a collaborative and impactful relationship. Their responsiveness, transparent communication, and dedicated assistance have strengthened our organisational capacity. We commend WCF for their instrumental role in empowering communities, and we look forward to continued collaboration as we strive to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.”
Our Partners
