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
Jo-Anna Hine Malvern Cube Projects“I have found all aspects of dealing with Worcestershire Community Foundation to be extremely positive. The team are responsive and supportive, and we really value the difference that your funding has been able to make to the young people who benefit from our charity. The application and reporting process are robust but accessible and the communication from your team is excellent. Thank you for supporting us in this project”.
Our Way Self Advocacy Beneficiary“Sharing my story and what happened, and listening to others has made me realise it’s not just me, and that perhaps it didn’t happen to me because I had done something wrong. I hope I can help stop someone else from feeling how I did.”
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.”
Catshill Food Bank“We cannot express enough what your help has meant. Our usual routes of donations dried up and without the financial support we wouldn’t have been able to continue. Your contribution to this has been so helpful for us.”
Sandycroft – Lee Olivia McKenzie, CEOAs usual the level of support we have received has always been supportive and helpful, We feel that every effort is made to help organisations with advice and guidance. WCF has been very accessible and gives you the time to feel heard and encouraged.
Our Partners
