Almost £1million invested in Hull’s communities across 2024

In 2024, Two Riding distributed £953,801 to support Hull’s grassroots organisations; helping them tackle some of the city’s biggest challenges, from isolation and unemployment to community cohesion and cultural engagement.

With grants made from the Hull Community Fund, Hull Emergency Community Response Fund, and Know Your Neighbourhood Fund amongst others, the funding has empowered local groups to make a lasting difference in people’s lives in the city.

Funding that transforms communities

At the heart of our work is impact. Hull’s community organisations are a lifeline for so many people, whether they are helping young people develop new skills, supporting communities through difficult times, or tackling loneliness. Our role, as the local community foundation, is to sustain and strengthen their work, ensuring they can continue to make a difference.

Hull Community Fund

Launched in partnership with Hull City Council, Hull CVS, HEY Smile Foundation, and Forum CIO last year, the Hull Community Fund has already made an impact. In its first round, £48,946 was awarded to 13 organisations working in health and wellbeing, education, culture, and the environment.

This funding has supported projects such as a youth rugby league club in Bransholme, gymnastics and ice-skating sessions, and a street dance project for disadvantaged children. It has also helped fund dance classes for disabled and older adults, wellbeing activities for families, and employability workshops for young people.

Daniel Broom from St. Aidan’s Southcoates PCC shared how the funding made a difference to them “This is more than just a kitchen; it’s the heart of our community. It’s a safe, supportive space where people can come together, find friendship and rebuild their lives. This funding allows us to keep offering free meals, training opportunities, and vital support for those in recovery or struggling with addiction and unemployment. The new equipment has made a huge difference, helping us cater for more people, expand our support, and strengthen our community.”

Hull Emergency Community Response Fund

Last summer, Hull was shaken by acts of violence, destruction, and racism. In response, we launched the Hull Emergency Community Response Fund, distributing £39,327 to 17 organisations working to rebuild community trust and provide support where it was needed most.

From outreach and counselling services to community events promoting inclusion and safety, this funding helped organisations such as Hull & East Yorkshire Community Counselling Service create safe spaces for those affected.

Jamal Choudhury from The Peel Project CIC reflected on the impact “The riots left many people in our community feeling shaken. We brought together community leaders and residents to reflect, share experiences, and begin the healing process. These conversations were an important step in strengthening relationships between the community, council, and police—ensuring we learn from the past and move forward together.”

Know Your Neighbourhood Fund

Loneliness can have a devastating effect on wellbeing, and that’s why we were proud to distribute £585,111 through the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, backed by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). This funding supported 13 lead organisations delivering projects that reduce social isolation and encourage volunteering.

Through this fund, befriending services for older residents have been supported, Talking Tables a community meal project by Hull CVS was relaunched, and volunteer training and inclusion programmes for members of the global majority have been developed. Sports-based projects have also played an important role in connecting communities and helping people develop new skills.

One initiative, The Shed, run by Groundwork Yorkshire, provides a welcoming space where people can learn and share practical skills like woodworking, upcycling, and sewing. Jade Collier, Programme Assistant at Groundwork Yorkshire, shared the story of Joanne, a participant who has found a real sense of belonging through the project.

“Before Joanne joined The Shed, she struggled to find a place where she felt comfortable. Now, she’s made friends, learned to sew and quilt, and grown in confidence.”

Her mum added “She absolutely loves it. It’s an inclusive space that really suits her and gives her a sense of community.”

A lasting impact on Hull’s communities

Beyond these key funds, an additional £280,417 was allocated through other grant programmes we manage, ensuring that even more grassroots organisations can continue their vital work.

Our Head of Communications & Partnerships, Bec Horner, explains…

“The difference these groups make is extraordinary. They are transforming lives, strengthening communities, and creating lasting change. But there is still so much more to be done. We encourage businesses and individuals to get involved—by donating to the Hull Community Fund – because together, we can achieve even more.”

Investing nearly £1 million into Hull’s charitable sector in 2024 is just the beginning. With continued funding and support, we can ensure that local organisations have the resources they need to keep building stronger, more connected communities.

Get involved

The next round of the Hull Community Fund opens for applications in Summer 2025, providing further opportunities for organisations to access vital funding.

If you’d like to support Hull’s community organisations, you can donate to the Hull Community Fund and learn more about the projects we support on our website, here.

Together, we can continue to make a real difference in Hull.