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
Worcester Warriors“The funding from the Covid response fund was incredibly important as it has meant that the Warriors Community Foundation has been able to continue to deliver most of its projects when times have allowed and maintain constant contact with participants. Last summer we continued practical delivery throughout and thanks to the grant were able to support many people through our wide range of projects. We are pleased to say that currently all of our projects are already up and running or due to be very soon. We would like to thank Worcestershire Community Foundation for their support that has meant we are able to offer vital sports sessions to our participants which have contributed to better mental health and well-being for them.”
Locality 2018Taking part in local action can strengthen feelings of community cohesion, generate a greater sense of pride and purpose and improve wellbeing.
New College WorcesterOur WCF grant was to support our students Mental Health & Wellbeing. The project is still on-going and is proving to be very successful. Students can easily access support and one of the key points to come out is that ‘it is good to talk’. As a result the students now have an excellent support network, which is great news.
Springfield Mind Training Lead: Paol Stuart-Thomson“I wanted to say a massive thank you for facilitating Thursday’s brilliant Royal Visit. It was excellent and such a privilege to attend. We got a huge amount out of the day and equally from the networking, which was invaluable, it seemed that everyone managed to do this prior to lunch so they seemed to scoot off quickly once HRH went for lunch. However, for us it was really great to make contacts going forward. It was a momentous day, perhaps a once in a lifetime event and just a huge thanks from all of us at Springfield Mind.”
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.
Our Supporters
