Heart of Yorkshire fund opens – funding forever for people & communities in the Selby District 

Monday 1st November 2021 saw the exciting launch of a brand-new community fund – Heart of Yorkshire, the fund for Selby District –by Venetia Wrigley, the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, to benefit the people of the Selby District.  

Launched at the new drop-in Centre of The Big Communitea, one of the many community groups that support local people in Selby, the Fund is managed by Two Ridings from a £2 million investment from Selby District Council.   

Applications are now open to fund community projects which will support a sustainable voluntary sector in the Selby District, and the local people that benefit from it, for years to come.  

Jan Garrill, Venetia Wrigley, John Venables, Angela Crossland, Ali Pearson

Angela Crossland, Head of Community, Partnerships & Customers at Selby District Council said: 

“I’m delighted the Heart of Yorkshire, the Fund for Selby District has now been formally launched. This Fund is an important way for Selby District Council to continue to support our communities and the voluntary sector in the long-term – long after the council ceases to exist – and it will directly improve the lives of local people. It is a huge investment in our district which will support the local organisations who make a real difference at the heart of their communities.” 

Two Ridings Community Foundation already have a long track record of funding community groups in North and East Yorkshire. As the accredited Community Foundation for the region Selby District Council know Two Ridings are perfectly placed to both manage and fairly distribute this huge investment to local people. 

Two Ridings work closely with groups like Big Communitea, who hosted the launch. The new drop-in Centre is the brainchild of John Venable who works tirelessly, with great staff and volunteers, to provide a safe and friendly town centre meeting space, which offers facilities for anyone to use.  

John Venable of Big Communitea said: 

“It is wonderful to launch the Heart of Yorkshire fund here at the same time as opening our new drop-in Centre. Funding from Two Ridings has been crucial for us and this fund will offer more and more people in the Selby district opportunities, training, education and wellbeing. It will help people be more resilient and connected. It’s a great day for our region.”  

Sleepsafe Selby are another local organisation – providing temporary accommodation, food and companionship for people facing homelessness in a friendly, family atmosphere – who have benefited from a Two Ridings grant in the past and were enjoying the launch of the fund.   

Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation said: 

“It’s great to be opening the Heart of Yorkshire fund. It is the perfect opportunity for Selby district charitable and community organisations to address the real needs of the local people.  

It’s a massive investment by Selby District Council and with it we will reach out to fund more small local organisations who are already making a huge difference in reducing poverty, loneliness and inequalities and bringing purpose and wellbeing to people young and old. 

“Small local organisations like Big Communitea, Selby Hands of Hope and Sleepsafe makes such a positive impact on peoples’ wellbeing, it is crucial that organisations like these have access to a fund in their community. 

“I am delighted The Heart of Yorkshire fund will create positive change forever.”  

New craft room at Big Communitea drop-in Centre

Venetia Wrigley, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire and a trustee at Two Ridings said: 

“I am very excited to be launching Selby District’s Heart of Yorkshire Fund. The groups and people I have met during my year as High Sheriff are so passionate about the work they do and the people they support. This is real boost for communities for years to come.” 

Venetia Wrigley, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire

Ali PearsonChair of the Grants Committee at Two Ridings Community Foundation, and a Selby district resident was impressed local people are already reaching out to become a panel member for the Fund. She finished by saying: 

“Selby district is going through a huge regeneration programme and it’s wonderful that community is at the heart of this.  

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response from residents who want to be on the decision-making panel for this grant. Local people are so ready to be involved and make a difference. Anyone else interested should get in touch soon.” 

Local groups can apply for funding here. Two Ridings Community Foundation | The Heart of Yorkshire, the Fund for Selby District – Two Ridings Community Foundation (bh-dev2.co.uk/tworidingscf) 

Any local residents interested in sitting on the grant-making panel should get in touch with the friendly grants team at Two Ridings – [email protected]  

Find out more about Big Communitea Big Communitea | Big Community Support