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 2020, we have distributed £650,000 of Covid-response funding to support 150+ 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
£ 2000000 +
Total grants
(2013-19)
£ 650000
Total grants (2020)
£ 4333
Average Grant size
150 +
Number of grants
(2020)
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
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.”
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.”
Andrew Bradley Chair of Bradley Haynes Law (Corporate Sponsor)Our team has a proud record of fund raising for great causes for local and national charitable purposes. As part of our social mission to help local causes in Worcestershire, we felt that we wanted to focus on giving something back to the local community that supports our business. We are therefore delighted to now be working with the Worcestershire Community Foundation who do some fabulous work across the county supporting numerous local initiatives
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.
Locality 2018Taking part in local action can strengthen feelings of community cohesion, generate a greater sense of pride and purpose and improve wellbeing.
Our Supporters
