About Us

Two Ridings Community Foundation is the local Community Foundation for North & East Yorkshire and we connect people who care with local causes that matter

Yorkshire is a place that inspires people to set down strong roots and care deeply about the issues facing their community. Two Ridings Community Foundation is an independent local charity helping ordinary people do extraordinary things that make our local communities thrive, and improve the lives of people who live there. We were originally founded in 200o by the former Chief Constable of North Yorkshire, David Kenworthy, who had been inspired by the work of other Community Foundations across the country.  We provide local funding and support that ensures that small local charities and voluntary groups can continue and grow, providing essential care, support and opportunity for the most vulnerable in our communities. All funds raised are invested in North & East Yorkshire to make a real difference to local lives. Led by our local knowledge and insight, we direct support to where it is most needed.

How we help

We invest in local charities:

• Straightforward funding for vital community projects led by local people
• Skills support to help resilience and growth
• A voice for North & East Yorkshire’s charitable sector to raise awareness and investment

We encourage local giving:

• A trusted partner to share knowledge and expertise to inform your giving
• A range of simple ways to give that maximise the impact of your gift
• Join a community of Yorkshire people who share your passion and commitment to social justice

The Two Ridings CF team comprises  the Board of Trustees, our staff and a team of volunteers from across the region.

Two Ridings CF Grants Committee

This committee meets quarterly and reviews applications from a variety of funds, including from our grassroots endowment, and #iwill. The Grants Committee also has delegated authority to review our grant making policy and practice. It oversaw a full review of our grants policy in 2017 and is looking to do the same in 2021.

Members:

Ali Pearson – Chair and trustee of Two Ridings CF

Hannah Harris – trustee of Two Ridings CF

Debbie Rosenberg – Trustee of Two Ridings CF

Richard Frith – Trustee of Two Ridings CF

Gill Hughes – Trustee of Two Ridings CF

Rolline Frewen – Trustee of Two Ridings CF

Christine Bainton – lay member. Christine has considerable experience of the Voluntary and Community Sector in York and North Yorkshire. She has been a member of the Standards Committee of City of York Council for over 10 years and was a former trustee of Two Ridings and is a grants assessor.

Tom Waring – lay member, Tom is CEO of Friends of St Nicks a charity based in York working with the community for climate action, the environment & increased public connection to nature. Tom was an expert member of our Bettys Trees for Life Panel

Peter Oluotch, – lay member, Peter is CEO of Humber Community Advice Services (H-CAS) based in Hull. HCAS provides information and advice to Hull’s minority ethnic communities.

Meg  Badorek-Miszczuk – lay member, Meg is a freelance Project Manager and Arts & Culture Adviser supporting organisations to reach diverse audiences.