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
Citizens Advice Bureau Wyre Forest“This grant from WCF means an awful lot to us; we are desperately trying to meet demand and ensure no one falls through the gap. Our volunteers are working flat out often doing double shifts and more and paid staff are working or free on their days off. We are truly blessed in Wyre forest to have such a dedicated committed team.
I can assure you every penny will be spent wisely.”
Nightstop“Our project is a long-standing project in the community which has an excellent track record of delivering positive outcomes for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The funding from Worcestershire Community Foundation has allowed us to made adaptations and additions to the vital work that we were already doing to meet the challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic. The project will now be able to continue due to this funding.”
Faith Sanderson CEO of Worcester Community Trust“With hundreds of women and children supported through our domestic abuse support service DAWN each year, we are delighted to be able to offer the Survivors Network: a peer led network to build confidence, skills and offer support to families. Thank you to Worcestershire Community Foundation for making this vital work possible!”
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.”
Diane Bennett MBE Community Worker for Caring Hands in the Vale“Thank you so much to Worcestershire Community Foundation for their grant to Caring Hands in the Vale – it really helped us through a very difficult period of time during lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your support has made a massive difference to us, was a great encouragement to our volunteers and has supported many people in need in our local community.”
Latest News & Events
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24th May 2022
Museum of Royal Worcester celebrates 70 royal years in Porcelain with the help of Stanley Road Primary School
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25th April 2022
Worcestershire Community Foundation awards £44,750 to nine community and voluntary organisations across the county from the Arts Council’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund
Read More
Our Supporters
