30 York community groups share £145,000 to transform lives across the city
While York is renowned for its tourism, rich history, and vibrant shopping scene, another side of the city is often hidden from view. Behind the tourist attractions, many people in York are struggling with inequality, hunger, financial strain, and isolation. Thankfully, it’s the city’s unsung community organisations and charities that step in daily to offer support, hope, and real change.
The first round of the York Community Fund has just distributed £145,307 to 30 remarkable local groups working tirelessly to improve lives. These grants are helping charities make a tangible impact, with many of the recipients focused on youth, refugees, food security, and creating welcoming spaces for all.
Empowering young people and families
Several of the funded groups are dedicated to supporting children and families. York Inspirational Kids is using their grant to boost activities for autistic and disabled children, fostering skills and promoting social inclusion. Big Futures Foundation is raising aspirations for disadvantaged kids, providing direct support in schools and communities to inspire change.
Refugee Action York is expanding its services to provide refugees in York with much-needed support, while Sunflowers in York is offering fun, community-building activities to help Ukrainian children integrate into their new homes.
Fighting isolation and food insecurity
Warm spaces are more crucial than ever, and local organisations like York Travellers Trust and Kyra Women’s Project are providing safe havens for vulnerable people, fostering understanding and offering a warm place to gather.
Meanwhile, food insecurity remains a pressing issue. Planet Food York is continuing its vital work with a community café and pay-as-you-feel shop, tackling food waste and hunger. The Collective Sharehouse is now able to offer fresh food and hygiene items while HOPING York Street Kitchen is keeping the city’s most vulnerable fed with free, freshly cooked meals.
A fund created by the community, for the community
Celia McKeon, CEO of Two Ridings, shared the fund’s core purpose: “This Fund was created to actively improve the wellbeing of those who live, work, and study in York, support purposeful community action and foster a sense of belonging.”
Looking ahead, the Fund plans to expand in the coming months, with the next round of grants opening in summer 2025. McKeon also encouraged new donors to get involved, saying: “We can’t wait to see these projects grow, and we invite any charity or community group to apply for future rounds of funding.”
Community-powered decisions
The grants were allocated through a participatory grant-making process, putting the power to decide directly in the hands of local people. More than 100 York residents expressed interest in shaping the fund, and 11 individuals with lived experience joined the decision-making panel. Their input helped ensure the funding would go to organisations that would make the most significant difference in the community.
Thomas Waring, Head of Grants at Two Ridings, explained: “We’re proud to have embraced participatory grant-making for this fund. It’s a way of shifting power, ensuring decisions are made by those who truly understand the needs of our communities.”
Grants in action: A full list of funded groups
Here are the other organisations who benefited from the York Community Fund:
- Lollipop Organising social activities for deaf children and families.
- Next Door But One Using theatre to support mental health and LGBTQ+ youth.
- St. James the Deacon Parish Church Provides warm spaces and food support.
- Generate Supporting gender-diverse individuals through outreach and advocacy.
- Shared Story CIC Bringing together people with long-term conditions through storytelling.
- Sing & Sign Maestros Expanding its group to include younger participants with additional needs.
- Toolbox Drama Providing Makaton classes and creating a Signing Collective.
- Accessible Arts & Media Running movers and shakers sessions for adults with complex learning and physical disabilities.
- Lived Insights from Experience (LIFE) Training community reporters to influence policy and challenge misconceptions, driving community-driven change.
- Good Organisation (Social Ventures) CIC Supports the York Residents Tourism Assembly by coordinating staff and volunteers for enhanced local tourism.
- Move the Masses Helping vulnerable individuals stay active and socially engaged through their Move Mates programme.
- Musical Connections Coordinating a community music outreach project.
- Older Citizens Advocacy York Supporting older people through advice and essential operational services.
- Clements Hall Trust Covers core costs for the hall that hosts over 50 community organisations in a welcoming space.
- Welfare Benefits Unit Providing specialist advice to tackle food and fuel poverty by ensuring people can access and claim their benefit entitlements.
- Panda Playgroup Ensuring playgroup sessions in Copmanthorpe remain affordable, supporting families and community engagement.
- York LGBT Forum Expanding LGBTQ+ events, warm hubs, and safe meeting spaces to support people with their wellbeing.
- York Women’s Counselling Service Introducing a specialised EMDR service for women experiencing PTSD.
- Family Matters York Offers courses for families with children who have additional needs, providing vital resources and support.
- Night Light Theatre CIC Creating a theatre project for individuals affected by homelessness, empowering them through the arts.
Get involved – apply for the next round
Applications for the next round of the York Community Fund will open in Summer 2025, with at least £200,000 available for distribution. Apply at Two Ridings Community Foundation.
A fund driven by local generosity
Launched in July 2024, the York Community Fund started with a £100,000 contribution from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), followed by a £150,000 donation from York Central Ltd to be distributed over a three year period. It has since grown with support from local businesses, donors and community partners.
The Fund’s launch event last June was a true celebration of the city’s spirit, with key partners including the City of York Council, York CVS, JRF, and York Together coming together in support.
Together, we’re building a stronger York.