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.
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. For 17 years we have been working with funders and delivering innovative funding programmes to charities and community groups. During the 18 months of the pandemic from March 2020 to October 2021, we have distributed over £1.5 million of funding to support 350+ projects and programmes throughout the county.
Our knowledge of the sector means that we know where funding can make or break a community initiative; we like to make greater impacts by supporting smaller, lesser known charities who often struggle to be financially sustainable, ensuring our awards create lasting change.
Our Impact
£ 3500000 +
Total grants
(2013-21)
£ 1500000
Total grants (2020/2021)
£ 4285
Average Grant size
350 +
Number of grants
(2020/2021)
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 across the county to target our funding and make maximum impact. We currently distribute funds which:
- Support Covid-response initiatives across the county
- 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 children and young people facing mental health issues
- Support arts delivery and innovative cultural projects
- Support vulnerable families particularly during/post the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Support local sports clubs and organisations to empower young people to become more active and improve their wellbeing
Feedback
Helen Gill The Monday Night ClubI just wanted to touch base with you to tell you what an amazing difference the Tampon Tax funding has made to us at The Monday Night Club this year. It enabled us to find (and afford) a great new venue at Worcester Arts Workshop. We have a wonderful group of young female volunteers who are all enjoying their new responsibilities and taking part in training we have arranged.
West Mercia Women’s Aid WMWA's CEO: Sue Coleman“Funding from WCF was an essential part of the resource package that enabled us to launch and develop the Live Chat facility on our website. This was particularly important during a time of lockdown restrictions when it was more difficult for those living with domestic abuse to make audible contact with agencies like Women’s Aid for information and advice. Using Live Chat made it possible for people to contact us ‘silently’ using their smartphone, tablet or computer, and WCF funding ensured that there were appropriate experienced staff available as and when that contact was made.”
Like U“We have nothing but praise for WCF. You are the first ones that believed in us, and you were the initial push we needed to succeed. We will never forget what you’ve done for us, and we really hope this is not the end of our journey.”
Wildgoose Rural Training“I cannot fault the response from yourselves, the reactivity of wanting to help organisations in such a quick turnaround has meant the world to us, and arguably we wouldn’t have been able to open and kept everyone safe as much as we have without your help. Not only have you enabled us to respond to the pandemic so quickly, but you have been key in restoring normality to our students in such a short period of time.”
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.”
Our Supporters
