Latest News

January 8, 2021

We know it is a challenging time for people running charitable organisations right now. With lockdown 3 it might mean you are struggling to work out how to deliver the activity you had planned and had funding from us, or it might mean you need additional funds. We want to be here for you and help you. We have set up weekly drop ins (on Zoom) where you can talk through any issues with the friendly team of grants, finance and partnerships - AKA Jackie, Roxanne, Stephanie and Ali. During January they are 11am on Thursdays but in February we will mix it up a bit in case that date and time doesn\'t work for you. We are also running a special workshop for groups funded to deliver youth activity as we know that is especially challenging and needed right now. For this workshop you need to book on via Event Brite. STOP PRESS: 18th January 2021. We have added an extra Youth Session plus a session if you are considering applying to the Coroanvirus Community Fund. Full details of all sessions on the attached document. Jan 2021 Corona Virus Drop In SessionsV3 ...

January 4, 2021

Whilst the start of 2021 seems to be as challenging as 2020, the team at Two Ridings is determined to focus on 2021 being about a positive future for all.  We asked our friends at Sidewalk Youth Project in Scarborough to give us their thoughts and images to inspire us and we are so pleased with what they gave us. It is very apt as we are currently working on developing our long term plan for the charity. Such plans in the past have helped steer us to achieve growth in funds and heightened awareness. If you want to be involved in helping us shape our long term plan, get in touch info@tworidingscf.org.uk ...

December 17, 2020

Our long term plan...reframing, being creative, and helping to give groups security? On Tuesday 15th December, Harriet and Ali from the Two Ridings Team facilitated a focus group with a range of people, including trustees, volunteers, people who had been successful in getting a grant, and people who had been unsuccessful to hear about their view on what kind of funder we are now and what kind of funder they\'d like us to be in the future. This is part of the development of our next long term plan. The image on the left shows the discussion and the images below are available to download and use. For more information about our long term plans and ways to get involved contact Ali Spaul aspaul@tworidingscf.org.uk [gallery ids=\"2465,2464,2463,2462,2461,2460,2455,2453,2452,2451,2450,2449,2448,2447,2446,2445,2444,2443,2442\"]     ...

December 11, 2020

Today 11th December, Two Ridings Community Foundation published its 2019/20 Annual Review. In the review the community foundation celebrate another significant year of grant making. It also pays tribute to many of the groups it has helped through grants to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. To view the Annual Review either download TwoRidings-AR2020-email or view using the flipsnack version. ...

November 18, 2020

This winter, vulnerable people in North and East Yorkshire will be colder, hungrier, more isolated, and more anxious than ever before. Two Ridings Community Foundation is launching an emergency appeal to raise £100,000 for essential funding for the charities, voluntary organisations and community groups that will provide a vital lifeline to our region. Since the start of the pandemic Two Ridings Community Foundation have given grants totalling £1.8 million to hundreds of organisations across North and East Yorkshire. This money has been put to use keeping people fed, as well as keeping them safe and connected but the challenges remain as we head into winter. Local community groups and charities are part of the frontline support helping those who are isolated and struggling through these turbulent times. These organisations are gearing up for an increased demand over winter and at the same time have an eye on what will happen next year. It’s vital that these groups have the funding and support to continue the work that they do. Whether you are struggling to pay your bills and feed your family, have lost a loved one, experienced anxiety, been made redundant or struggled with ill health, Covid 19 has had a devastating impact on many of us. The situation in North & East Yorkshire is likely to get worse for thousands of people who are already barely coping. Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation said: “There is seemingly no precedent for these times. What I do know is now is the time to give. Whether you are able to donate £10 or £10,000 we urge you to support this campaign. Perhaps you receive a winter fuel allowance that you don’t need and would like to help someone else to stay warm? Or maybe you feel that this Christmas you wish to donate the cost of your work Christmas party. In these times, it is important that we look out for one another and stand shoulder to shoulder with people and communities.” The donations we receive have been making a huge impact to charities in our region. Sebastian Glazer from The Vulcan Centre in Hull said ‘The funding secured from the Two Ridings Community Foundation has been vital for our organisation it has helped us support vulnerable people before they reach crisis point. This has been through the provision of food parcels, mental health advocacy and jobs. The ease with which people were able to gain food parcels has removed the stigma and embarrassment from the process. Donate here ...

October 28, 2020

October is Black History Month and so the editor of our newsletter asked for a perspective on life in lockdown from Anne, from YUMI. YUMI is a volunteer-led voluntary organisation that works with people from other cultures who have come to live in York. They deliver training and activities across the city that support individuals from all cultural backgrounds to integrate and connect with members of the ‘host community’; working side by side to develop skills and confidence and creating lasting, positive social change. Two Ridings first supported YUMI with a grant back in 2007 and have over the years helped with a number of grants from funds we manage. Thanks to Anne for her story of lockdown \"2020 has been a challenging year, and that might well be the understatement of  the century. Everyone has struggled, in some form, in their own ways. I am already far removed from family - all of our relatives are back home in Canada, so being isolated didn\'t feel as hard for us as it might have for others. But it wasn\'t easy to be so  far away from family during such uncertain times. It wasn\'t easy to be disconnected from people outside of our own family unit. And as the lockdown lifted, and we slowly emerged from our isolated spaces, like animals emerging from hibernation, bleary-eyed and distrusting of our surroundings, most of us acknowledged that one thing we\'d learned was the importance of community connections. I\'ve gotten to know my neighbours so much better, for starters. Hour-long chats over garden walls that come up to the height of our eyes have made conversations awkward, but worthy. I\'ve always liked my neighbour, but now she is my community. ...

October 23, 2020

[caption id=\"attachment_2340\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"404\"] David Kerfoot, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire[/caption] This week twelve small, vital charities in York received grants of up to £5,000 each from The York Small Charities Fund. The Fund was set up to support local York charities keep going by funding essential running costs over the next six to twelve months as groups deal with the dire financial consequences of the double whammy of increased demand and decreased fundraising caused by the Coronavirus crisis and lockdown. The York Small Charities Fund was set up by partners York CVS and Two Ridings Community Foundation just two months ago to respond to the critical state of the local charitable sector. Many small charities were struggling to secure funds to ‘keep their lights on’ and pay rent, salaries and other essential running costs. The panel, including David Kerfoot, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, and five local leaders of charities in York, considered 22 applications totaling nearly £100,000 meaning some really difficult decisions had to be made on this essential funding. The twelve groups supported by the York Small Charities Fund are a microcosm of the York charitable sector, with groups providing essential support to people in crisis, whether that is through family breakdowns, mental health issues, disability, alcohol-related issues, or bereavement. All are hyper small, largely volunteer-run, facing a challenging financial future due to the drop off in fundraising and limited alternative sources of grant funding, yet without whom people would experience a significant loss of critical support, which they all provide. ...

September 10, 2020

Two Ridings Community Foundation announced today, 10th September 2020, the launch of a financial support for individual households in Swaledale, Wensleydale & Arkengarthdale that were flooded in July 2019 who want to improve their home’s resilience to future flooding. To apply visit https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/fund/swaledaleandwensleydale/ Funding would be available for items like flood gates, flood doors, non-return valves on drains, pumps, air brick covers, drainage channels and walls and other barriers. Funding for measures will be subject to financial assessment of household income. Funding came via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government who, in summer 2020 announced match funding of the £250,000 raised locally for communities in Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale affected by these flooding incidents. This was following presentation of the case for match funding from Two Ridings, Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, York and North Yorkshire LEP and the NFU. In July 2019 flash flooding caused major devastation across parts of Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale. In response and thanks to generous donations from across the UK, Two Ridings Community Foundation opened the Swaledale & Wensleydale Recovery Fund to provide assistance to people affected by this flooding. Over £250,000 was raised, much of which was led by the local community. All of this money has been spent helping those whose homes were so badly affected to get back on their feet and to help Parish Councils to make emergency repairs to watercourses and other local infrastructure that was badly damaged. In February 2020, a number of properties were once again flooded following Storm Ciara, affecting repairs already carried out, and adding to the trauma of those involved. This round of funding will open on 14th September 2020. Application forms and guidance notes on what this might cover and how to apply are available from https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/fund/swaledaleandwensleydale/ . The deadline for receipt of applications will be 30 November 2020. Further funding opportunities for voluntary and community groups to help the wider community prepare for any future flood events, enabling potential flooding to be managed more effectively, will be announced in September. ...

September 4, 2020

This week 22 local charities from across North & East Yorkshire received grants of £15,000 each from Two Ridings Community Foundation to support their essential running costs over the next six months as they respond to the continuing double whammy of increased demand and decreased fundraising caused by the Coronavirus crisis and lockdown. This funding is part of the £750 million pot announced by the Chancellor for frontline charities across the UK during the coronavirus outbreak. These 22 awards, totaling £328,307 brings the amount distributed by Two Ridings in the last six months to over £1.5m. Since the end of March grants provided by Two Ridings have allowed groups to respond in the immediate lockdown period to help keep people fed, safe, well and connected, adapt services to vulnerable users so that support can still be provided even if self-isolating and now allow key local groups to sustain themselves financially whilst other sources of funding from fundraising events or activities have dried up. Recent surveys of charities, both nationally and locally in our area, indicate that the next few months will be critical for the long term survival of many charities. Over 5,400 job losses have already been announced in the charity sector since the start of the pandemic but many experts predict this is just the tip of the iceberg. One leading charity think-tank, Pro Bono Economics, predicts that another 34,100 charity sector employees may have lost their jobs by the end of the year and 58% of charities expect demand for their services to increase over the next six months. Locally a survey of charities across North Yorkshire, York and the Humber area indicated that 57% of local charities had experienced a drop in income, and 41% were concerned about their survival beyond the next few months. The small team of staff at the Community Foundation are working around the clock to ensure funds get to those organisations that can make the biggest impact to quickly support the most vulnerable residents living in North and East Yorkshire, ensuring the donations are spent effectively. Grants have been awarded to support a wide range of projects from the essential costs of services for the elderly and people with disabilities to reopening childcare nurseries, employability projects and essential day care for severely disabled young adults. Please click here to see the full list of all grants awarded NEWS RELEASE £328,000 in grants distributed this week by Two Ridings Community Foundation 8 Sep 2020 ...

August 10, 2020

We are looking for co-opted members to sit on our Grants Committee and Coronavirus Community Fund panel: Get involved & help ensure we make the best possible decisions for local, grassroots charitable organisations across North & East Yorkshire We are seeking Grants Committee Co-opted members x 2 - we want to add two more co-opted members to the Grants Committee to add added specific insight and experience. Co-opted members have the same responsibilities as trustees on the Grants Committee but the majority of the attendees must be trustees and the chair of the committee is always a trustee. Coronavirus Community Fund Panel members x 2 – we are seeking two new panel members to join an existing panel as we move into the third phase of our grant making to support groups responding and rebuilding In both instances we are looking for people who can add lived or working experience of the issues and challenges of communities across our region. We are looking to recruit people from the BME community, people who are familiar with issues associated with severe and multiple disadvantage or people who have volunteered or run small charitable organisations. What’s the difference between the two roles? If you want to get involved in the strategic direction of Two Ridings Community Foundation’s grant making then the Grants Committee is the place to get involved. The Grants Committee reports to the Two Ridings Board of Trustees and is responsible for overseeing our grant making strategy and related oversight (but does make decisions on one or two programmes of funding). If you want to be actively involved in making decisions about a programme of grants and the allocation of funds then the Coronavirus Community Fund Panel is the one to apply to. It makes decisions about awards from this fund based on overall direction from the Grants Committee. What are we looking for? The following shows the relevant attributes and skills we are looking for from applicants. We would particularly welcome applications from people of colour because we are looking to diversify who makes decisions about our activity, including grants. With the grants committee role we are looking for more in depth experience of the issues and more strategic experience – e.g. membership of board. Experience of making strategic decisions and an awareness of associated risk management. Experience of volunteering or working for a charity or social enterprise in the Two Ridings area of North & East Yorkshire Being an expert by experience of issues in our region – we are particularly wanting to be able to recruit people from the BME community, people who are familiar with issues associated with severe and multiple disadvantage or people who have volunteered or run small charitable organisations Ability to take in detailed information, assess the relative merits of applications, and use own and others experience to inform decisions without allowing personal views or biases to get in the way of making the right decision Ability to maintain confidence of decisions made & respect outcomes Appreciative of different perspectives & sees and values people as being resourceful and bringing strengths, not problems Passionate about social justice ...

August 6, 2020

[caption id=\"attachment_2232\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"600\"] Trustees & Two Ridings Supporters visiting Sidewalk Youth Project in Scarborough in Feb 2020[/caption] Phase 3 of our Coronavirus Community Fund launches Monday 3rd August Current Coronavirus Community Fund funds raised = £2.48m, £1.2m awarded in 282 grants with 484 applications received  (work commenced 18th March 2020) We launch phase 3 of our Coronavirus Community Fund (CCF) on Monday 3 August 2020 and this phase is all about investing our funds into the strength and vitality of key local organisations . The aim is that our funds helps sustain them now and most importantly to help them be around in the medium to long term for their beneficiaries. Attached are the revised guidelines. We are focussing our Coronavirus Community Fund (CCF) on five priority themes which is based on our analysis of previous CCF grants, needs in the region and gaps needing to be addressed by our funds: Good health & wellbeing - Under this goal we will prioritise projects which seek to improve mental health, reduce health inequalities and reduce isolation amongst those most affected. Good jobs & economic growth - with a particular focus on young people 16-25 living in areas of significant disadvantage, high unemployment and low educational attainment and particularly in areas which have been impacted most by the crisis for example those which are traditionally reliant on tourism Zero hunger - In the immediate response phase, we have provided a large amount of funding to support the provision of food. In this phase we are keen to support organisations that can help local communities to build food security and maximize their ability to increase self sufficiency No poverty - Under this goal we will prioritise groups and projects which provide the services which can help to prevent people from sliding into poverty or help to provide a route out Reduced inequalities - our priorities under this goal will be around providing infrastructure support, digital inclusion, volunteer training, community transport and organizational development for groups that represent the most marginalised people in our communities and in particular those that have become more marginalised and isolated as a result of the lockdown. The Coronavirus Community Fund panel met last week and funded the core costs of a number of key local organisations like: Sidewalk in Scarborough to provide vital outreach work for vulnerable children & young people KingsTrust Gateway Community Care Hub in Withernsea provides clothes, toiletries, hygiene products, toys, white goods and furniture to members of the community who are in financial hardship and struggling to cope. They estimate 3500 beneficiaries, around 50% of the population and even though they know the area well they have been struck by the sheer numbers of people needing help. To provide something for the children to look forward to each week they are also making educational packs and craft packs. They do ask for a small contribution from families so that they don’t feel embarrassed to accept charity. Brunswick Organic Garden in York- working with people with learning difficulties - this is a new group for us. In normal times they would rely on  income from Personal independence Payments from their users. Tiger Trust in Hull - a partnership with St Michaels Youth Project & partners like the police to respond to needs that have become far more pressing as a result of the Covid crisis, young people that have been out of school and allowed to ‘drift’ are at much greater risk of exploitation by criminal gangs. Both partner organisations have had to furlough staff and this work will allow them to bring some staff members back into do this. The pie chart below shows where the money to date has been focussed on & the other shows where it has been distributed [caption id=\"attachment_2235\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"600\"] Two Riding\'s Coronavirus Community Fund grants data at 31 July 2020[/caption]   ...

The Lord Mayor of York is teaming up with Two Ridings Community Foundation to support fundraising for the 2020/2021 Civic year. The fund, launched on 20 July 2020 will make its first grants in early autumn. The partnership will replace the Lord Mayor’s annual fundraising committee, this year concentrating on benefitting organisations and individuals in York by making grants of up to £5,000 within two categories; children and young people and community arts. Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Janet Looker, said: “I look forward to working with Two Ridings Community Foundation to ensure that awards will be made where the need is greatest, attempting to encourage educational and cultural opportunities for our young people and promote cultural activity in York. “We acknowledge there may be difficulties attracting charitable funds this year due to the coronavirus outbreak, however we recognise the importance and value of supporting York’s young people and investing in community arts, and will use this civic year to help build back a better York.” The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Janet Looker and the Civic Party, will stay in position for a second term and continue as caretaker and the first resident of York for another year. The Lord Mayor\'s fundraising committee traditionally selects three local charities to support by organising events around the city during the civic year to raise money, but this year have decided to partner with Two Ridings to help more charities in York.   ...

June 26, 2020

Published today (26th June 2020) is the Coronavirus Community Fund Report from Two Ridings Community Foundation. In this report the Foundation describes what the fund has achieved in the 100 days since its launch, and in particular the 235 grants made to help keep people safe, fed, well and connected across North & East Yorkshire. In the 100 days since the fund launch Two Ridings has made the same number of awards it would normally make in a year. The report is available here Two Ridings Coronavirus Fund Update June 2020 This fund and appeal, launched on 18th March 2020 has raised £2.1m in funds and given away £903,209 to 198 local charity organisations in North and East Yorkshire to support vulnerable residents as part of efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak. The report makes clear that this is only the start, with much more to be done to help the hundreds of local groups with essential funds to keep them going. It is asking for anyone wishing to donate to get in touch via Coronavirus Community Fund Derek Nichol (left) is seen here celebrating VE day thanks to Trinity Centre in Whitby. Trinity Centre received two grants totalling £12,000 from the fund to keep their service delivering meals and activities going for the next six months. Carolyn Watkinson, Trustee of Trinity Centre in Whitby said: “This grant will be an enormous aid towards helping us to continue supporting older and vulnerable people in Whitby. Our clients experience the debilitating effects of social isolation under normal circumstances. This grant has been invaluable in enabling us to stay in regular contact with them to provide hot meals several times per week to those who need it most. Without grants such as this, the Trinity Centre would have closed and the social connectedness so important to our clients would be have been lost to them. Instead, we have been able to adapt our way of working to support not only our regular clients but also some of the most vulnerable people from our partner charitable organisations. As one service-user said: “‘It’s such a treat. I didn’t expect anything. I thought I would be on my own at home with nothing to do and I’m busy all day with the activities.” Two Ridings is also the local distributor to local charities of funds raised nationally by the National Emergencies Trust (NET) and coincidentally they have published their report this week. ...

June 17, 2020

Partnership Co-ordinator, York £30,000 pa pro rata for 28 hours per week Are you committed to social change? Do you want to help make a real difference to people\'s lives through changing the systems that perpetuate severe and multiple disadvantage? Could you enable a critical mass of interconnecting change makers to emerge? We are looking for a Partnership Coordinator to work with us and with a range of local community members and professionals to understand and respond to severe and multiple disadvantage in York. The Partnership Coordinator will have two main responsibilities: Implementing a process to guide decision making and resource allocation in York for an allocated pot of funding; and To support and implement an action inquiry in York focusing on children, young people and severe and multiple disadvantage. ...

We have been working since before Christmas with other agencies to make the case for match funding from the Government for the money raised in response to the Dales floods in July 20219. This followed South Yorkshire Community Foundation getting government funding for the money raised in response to the November 2019 floods. Despite a long wait, we were advised in May 2020 that our case had been heard and match funding secured. This is a great result, as it not only allows us to continue supporting communities affected by flooding, it also recognises the local fundraising efforts. Our thanks go to partners who helped us make the case: Rishi Sunak MP, Richmondshire District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, National farmers Union & the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.     ...

Partnership Co-ordinator, York £30,000 pa pro rata for 28 hours per week Are you committed to social change? Do you want to help make a real difference to people\'s lives through changing the systems that perpetuate severe and multiple disadvantage? Could you enable a critical mass of interconnecting change makers to emerge? We are looking for a Partnership Coordinator to work with us and with a range of local community members and professionals to understand and respond to severe and multiple disadvantage in York. The Partnership Coordinator will have two main responsibilities: Implementing a process to guide decision making and resource allocation in York for an allocated pot of funding; and To support and implement an action inquiry in York focusing on children, young people and severe and multiple disadvantage.. The post and the funding pot are both supported by Lankelly Chase Foundation. Although the post is funded for an initial 12 month period we would hope to sustain the post for longer, subject to the progress made in the first year. Two Ridings Community Foundation is a locally based funder of charitable activity across York, North Yorkshire, East Riding and Hull. Over the last five years we have been developing our approach so that our funds and support (our people, knowledge and partnerships) is used to best effect. This means we work closely with partners so that our assets are well used within the wider funding and systems ecology in our places. We are a small team that works well together and with others and has a good reputation in our region. This is a newly created role with an interesting range of responsibilities. As such, we don’t have a perfect idea of who will fill the role and what their background, experience or qualifications might be; but we consider that the role requires someone who has lots of empathy, strong relationship building and people skills, who can work flexibly and is open to different perspectives. This may come from working with people facing multiple disadvantage or from lived experience. Support, conditions and opportunities Two Ridings Community Foundation is part of a UK wide network of Community Foundations and is part of a global movement of community foundations. This means that there are opportunities to learn from and work with peers from across the network on areas of shared interest. In addition, Lankelly Chase work with a wide range of learning partners which the post holder will be able to engage with and learn from. Recruitment and selection process Please apply via Webrecruit. Interviews: 16th July 2020. This will be a Zoom interview with a panel plus a presentation To have an informal conversation about the role email Jan Garrill, CEO Two Ridings at jgarrill@tworidingscf.org.uk Ridings operates an equal opportunities recruitment policy, and applications are welcome from all sections of the community, particularly BAME, LGBT communities and/or people with disabilities who are under-represented within Two Ridings.     ...

April 29, 2020

\"It is so heartening to see the local response to the coronavirus crisis. The charitable  and community organisations in Hull & in the rest of our patch are trusted by local people and they know to come to us for funding. The coronavirus fund is getting help to them right now\" Harriet Johnson, Partnership Manager, Two Ridings Community Foundation Two Ridings uses data from a range of sources, including Local Insights, to understand where its grants are most needed. We asked Harriet, who as well as leading on the Confident Futures project in Hull & East Riding, is also chairing the weekly grant making panel for coronavirus fund grants, how needs are changing and how grants can help. She said: Over the last month we\'ve supported many food & medicine delivery projects - nearly half of the funding has supported that immediate need to feed & keep people well. Great projects like Nidderdale Plus Partnership in rural North Yorkshire, Vulcan Boxing Club in Hull and Kingfisher Trust in Bridlington. ...

April 16, 2020

Those saving money on their commute are being asked to help support the most vulnerable by making a donation, no matter how small, donate here This appeal, led by Two Ridings Community Foundation, will support local community efforts to help keep people safe, fed, well and connected during Coronavirus lockdown; In just three weeks since the appeal launched it has raised £500,000 in new donations and given away nearly £106,000 to 59 local organisations in North and East Yorkshire to support vulnerable residents as part of efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak; but More donations are needed as each week the Foundation is receiving requests for funds from the hundreds of local charities across North and East Yorkshire Local charities helping the most vulnerable in North and East Yorkshire during this global crisis are being supported through grant-giving by Two Ridings Community Foundation. While the Foundation’s Coronavirus Community Fund total is approaching £1million, £500,000 of which is new donations raised over the past month, more is needed and the Foundation is making a plea to anyone who can to help by donating to the appeal. Every week it receives new requests for funds from local charities unable to simply furlough staff and close its doors as more and more vulnerable people need assistance with accessing food, medicines, staying safe and keeping connected. To apply visit here ...

March 18, 2020

The world is in a state of emergency. The outbreak of coronavirus is affecting both businesses and people from across the globe. Many people are suffering, not just physically due to ill health, but also economically and socially. Workers are struggling to make ends meet, small, local businesses are closing their doors, and social distancing and self-isolation means people aren’t able to visit vulnerable loved ones. The Government is doing everything it can to alleviate some of this pressure. However, at times like this, it’s the strength and desire to help from the public that can make the most difference. That’s why the National Emergencies Trust https://nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk/coronavirus/ , are today launching an appeal to raise funds for local charities and grassroots organisations that can provide vital support to people in the quickest way possible. If you want to give locally, please do so through Two Ridings Coronavirus Community Fund local appeal. Otherwise the NET Appeal is the best way to ensure your donation reaches the most vulnerable people, where and when it’s needed. The National Emergencies Trust will distribute money raised through a number of charitable organisations including local Community Foundations, to ensure it reaches those who need it most.’ We will work collaboratively with a wide range of organisations to ensure the maximum amount of money is raised and distributed securely, effectively, and fairly to those organisations and local charities who can do most to help those in need. We have built a partnership network over the past few months to provide you with the reassurance that the funds raised will only be channelled through the most trusted and reputable organisations, so you know you’re giving to those who need it the most. With your support, and help from our partners, we’ll get through the impact caused by coronavirus, together. Individuals and charities should not apply directly to the NET for funds. Local charities should contact their local Community Foundation to apply for funding. If you are a relevant group in North & East Yorkshire  apply here ...

March 17, 2020

Statement on Covid-19 Two Ridings Community Foundation recognises that the Covid-19 outbreak is an exceptional event that will have an impact on voluntary, community and social enterprise groups, and want to offer reassurance that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the VCSE sector during this time. We wish to be as helpful as possible during the coming weeks and months so that the groups that we fund can focus on the vital work of supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.  We understand that there will be times when staff and volunteers will not be available, when beneficiaries may need services to be provided in different ways, or when systems need to be flexible to ensure that needs are met. If your organisation or services are affected by the covid-19 outbreak, and you receive funding from us, we are committed to: Adapting activities – we recognise that you may experience difficulties achieving some of the outputs or outcomes we agreed for your grant and would like to be able to maintain our grant payments to you at originally-agreed levels during this period, so please have a conversation with us if you are going to be affected in this way; Discussing dates – please let us know if you are going to experience delays in delivering your project or submitting your end of grant reporting, we will work with you to accommodate this where we can. Financial flexibility – we know you may need to use your funding to deliver services differently, and we will be work with you if you need to move money between budget headings to ensure your work can continue. Listening to you – we are here if you want to talk to us about the situation you’re facing, but we’ll wait for you to call us so that these conversations are at the right time for you. We also recognise that there may well be further disruption caused by covid-19 that may impact on your other income streams and we will seek to make the case for funding support. Where we have any news on emergency funding, this will be published on our website and we will endeavour to keep you informed. How you can help us During this time we may be working from home more than usual and if current advice changes, the office may be closed altogether. This will mean that we will have more limited access to post. We will be accessible by telephone on the usual number but may not be able to direct your enquiry immediately, it may mean that the relevant member of staff will return your call. Please direct enquiries by email as much as possible including the return of any documentation such as grant acceptance forms. 17.3.2020 ...

March 10, 2020

What links these two pictures? Quite a few things actually. Both were taken within days of each other last week. Both have me in them. But most importantly they show leaders from community foundations standing shoulder to shoulder. And I think this is the best metaphor for what we do and why. Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with the people we work with On 4th March Baroness Diana Barran, Parliamentary Secretary of State for DCMS aka Charities Minister (in the middle back row) visited Castleford Tigers Women’s Rugby League club (Lindsay Anfield is main organiser of the club to the left of Diana Barran). This visit arose from them receiving an £8000 grant from the Tampon Tax Community Fund managed by Two Ridings Community Foundation (me, Jan Garrill in red coat). With the help of friends Lindsay has set up a club where girls of all shapes, sizes and fitness can come along twice a week and learn rugby. Many of the girls have challenging backgrounds, no history of family encouraging them to play sport and yet three of them now represent their country and county, are role models for others and have a bright eyed confidence and positivity that Lindsay helped unlock. It was always there, but tough luck and lack of opportunities had kept their potential under wraps. This group typifies what community foundations help make happen – Castleford Tigers Women’s Rugby League club is run on shoestring by passionate people like Lindsay to do something about something not right where she lives. They can use the name Castleford Tigers but get no funding from the professional team. And a grant from us allowed her to do more sessions and aimed at a wider range of ages. In this instance the community foundation helped fund rugby league for women and girls but somewhere else it might be art, or singing or simply a friendly face and a cup of tea. Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with each other In the same week I was at Castleford I was also away for two days with 9 of my Community Foundation colleagues on a UKCF Leadership Programme. What was clear right from day 1 was that we all shared similar values and outlook on life that being involved in a Community Foundation allowed us to use to make a huge difference in our communities, from Devon to Leeds and North & East Yorkshire and all points in-between. Between day 1 and day 6 we wrestled with what kind of leaders were we, were we heroes or were we hosts allowing others to grow and lead and what kind of leadership do community foundations need? We all felt that the leaders as hosts metaphor suited us, especially when we heard Tracey Walsh from East End Community Foundation describe what she had helped make happen around reducing anti social behaviour on her patch; “simply” by being trusted she could bring partners together who previously wouldn’t have worked with each other, get them to understand others’ perspectives and help focus on what needed doing, and all without making a grant! Yet, we still struggled to answer the final question: what kind of leaders are community foundations…? Could we find a metaphor that described the convening, trusted role we play that comes from holding resources, working across all sections of our communities and caring passionately about our people and places? Well, maybe the kind of leadership Community Foundations show is by standing shoulder to shoulder with others who share our values and want to make a difference locally? What do you think?   Jan Garrill 10th March 2020 ...

February 29, 2020

If the idea of being a trustee at one of the best Community Foundations in the UK whets your appetite, we\'d love to hear from you. We have a great, engaged board but want to add to it with people passionate about improving lives across North & East Yorkshire. Two Ridings CF is looking for committed individuals to join a highly skilled, friendly and engaged Board of Trustees. We are seeking dynamic and motivated individuals who are sympathetic to the aims and objectives of Two Ridings CF. We expect Trustees to play an active role on the Board by giving strategic direction and contributing to the successful and effective governance of Two Ridings CF. We are a Quality Accredited Community Foundation and a lot of the credit for this is down to our board and the strategic direction and drive the trustees bring to the work of the small staff team and volunteers. Through our work encouraging local giving we can provide vital funds to the small, grassroots charities in our region. Our trustees not only lead the team but also help be ambassadors for the charity across business and social networks in the region. We offer a full induction programme and opportunities to see the impact of our work first hand. Our offices are based at Clifton Moor York but we are active and out and about across all of York, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire and want trustees who are passionate about our role to make a difference in our cities, towns and villages. We want people who can commit to be a Two Ridings trustee and : • Attend Board meetings, an annual development day and visit a number of funded projects; • Contribute advice and support through attendance at committee meetings and on an ad hoc basis; • Attend Two Ridings CF events (approx. three per year); and • Proactively identify and help the Chief Executive and her team foster new donors and supporters. For further information: if you would like to find out more and for an informal discussion please contact Jan Garrill, Chief Executive on 01904 929 500 or email her. How to apply: To apply please email a covering letter (outlining why you are interested in this position and what you feel you could bring to the Board) along with your CV to Jan Garrill, Chief Executive at jgarrill@tworidingscf.org.uk Closing date: Applications for trustee vacancies should be received by 5pm on 3rd April 2020 ...

February 17, 2020

Two Ridings Community Foundations has brought together local volunteer choirs for our first concert, kindly hosted by Rudding Park, on Thursday 2 April 2020 6.15 for 6.30pm at the Rudding Park Chapel HG1 1JH, tickets are £30 each and proceeds will be split between the choirs performing and THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District. Please purchase your ticket via Eventbrite: https://springconcertruddingpark.eventbrite.co.uk. Volunteer Choirs: Musical Memories CIC, In Harmony, Emerging Voices & The Rudding Park \'Super Singers\' Choir ...

February 3, 2020

Following its successful launch in October, Harrogate Street Aid is delighted to announce the commencement of grant making which will be administered by Two Ridings Community Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of local residents and visitors, the Harrogate Street Aid Fund stands at over £2000 which will now be used to provide small grants to individuals referred by one of the local services that works with those affected by rough sleeping and street homelessness in the Harrogate District. The fund was launched in October by Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan and Cllr Mike Chambers, Harrogate Borough Council, with a contactless giving terminal (tap point) situated in the window of Marks & Spencer Foodhall in Oxford Street, Harrogate. Generous shoppers have been tapping their credit and debit cards to donate £3 a tap to Harrogate Street Aid. Donations are also being received online. Jan Garrill of Two Ridings Community Foundation said ‘We are delighted to be working with Harrogate Street Aid and look forward to receiving applications for grants that will provide the long term help that will support people to move away from the streets. By working with the local homelessness services we can ensure that grants are used to the very best effect and as part of a longer term plan for individual applicants referred to the scheme.’ Liz Hancock, CEO Harrogate Homeless Project, said ‘We are really looking forward to supporting clients in a unique personalised way with this fund which provides targeted funding to support lasting change, with the aim of preventing a return to the streets. Having been involved with Harrogate Street Aid from its inception it is great to be in a position to make applications on behalf of individuals we support across our services, helping them secure permanent accommodation, support with job application needs, training and many other ideas to make real change to their lives.’ Helen Richardson of Harrogate Borough Council Community Safety Team said           ‘People instinctively want to help those affected by rough sleeping but giving money directly to those on the street may only help to keep them on the streets. By giving to Harrogate Street Aid, donations can be pooled into a meaningful amount that will make a real difference to someone’s life’. To find out more about Harrogate Street Aid and how to donate or to apply for support, please visit www.harrogatestreetaid.co.uk   ...

January 20, 2020

Two Ridings Community Foundation has asked the Secretaries of State for Housing Communities and Local Government and Environment Food and Rural Affairs to consider extending the financial support offered to communities affected by the November 2019 flooding to those affected by the July 2019 floods. The Government have made available £300,000 through the Property Flood Resilience Recovery Support Scheme for communities affected in November as well as pledged to match charitable funds up to £1m. However, we would ask that this also be available to the people and communities of Swaledale, Wensleydale and Arkengarthdale, who experienced equally devastating flooding. This request is on behalf of the people and communities of the Dales. The floods in this region were devastating, with extreme levels of flash flooding on 30th July 2019. More than 300 homes and businesses and 50 farms were flooded and many of these people and their communities are still struggling to recover from this devastation. Although roads and bridges are being repaired, and dry stone walls are starting to be rebuilt, what is less evident is the ongoing impact on people’s lives as they struggle to cope with the financial and emotional impact. Many of those affected were on low wages, low fixed pension incomes, are tenant hill farmers or small businesses, and therefore have little financial resilience.  As an area that relies on farming and tourism with much of the employment typified by low wages, and many people having to work several part time jobs to make ends meet, this lack of financial resilience is likely to have long term impacts. The communities affected are extremely grateful for the financial support already offered to address the impact on infrastructure and farmers’ uninsurable losses, however we are requesting that people and businesses affected by the July 2019 floods can also access the Property Flood Resilience Recovery Support Scheme. This resilience funding is available via local authorities to allow flood-hit homes and businesses to receive up to £5,000 (including VAT) to make changes on properties and reduce damage levels should flooding reoccur. We are also requesting that the Government similarly match fund the donations raised for the Flood Recovery Fund administered by the Two Ridings Community Foundation to support people, businesses and farms experiencing ongoing financial hardship as a result of the floods. Although nearly £300,000 has been raised to support financial hardship our current projections suggest that there is still significant unmet need. So far Two Ridings has helped 146 homes, 7 businesses, 5 parish councils and 27 farms but know that financial hardship will continue as a result of the time taken for people to get back on their feet. In the meantime, farmers and businesses struggle with bills over the quiet period of winter and households are struggling to cope. Our request for this support is endorsed by the local partners who have been involved in the flood response since July 2019. They are: North Yorkshire County Council, Richmondshire District Council, the York, North Yorkshire & East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership, the National Farmers Union, Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire, Richmondshire Council for Voluntary Services and the Farming Communities Network..   ...

January 15, 2020

Grassroots groups working across North and East Yorkshire will get much-needed grants worth £69,862 to help support local women and girls facing a range of challenges. 9 projects will receive grants of between £5,000 - £10,000. This is the second time Two Ridings Community Foundation has awarded groups money from the Tampon Tax Community Fund to help women and girls experiencing issues such as period poverty, domestic and sexual abuse and mental health. Collectively as a network, UK Community Foundations is one of the UK’s largest grant-makers and was asked by government to distribute the largest share of the funding raised through the levy on sanitary products through its network of community foundations. A total of £6.9 million has been awarded nationally to grassroots groups in the two rounds of funding. Jan Garrill, Chief Executive Officer of Two Ridings Community Foundation: “This funding supports the groups on the ground that are making a huge difference to the lives of women and girls. We know there is huge demand out there for these services and are proud to help small organisations working in our community to access vital public funding, which otherwise they may miss out on.” The projects being that have been funded: The Hinge Centre in Bridlington has been awarded £6965 to run weekly sessions for young girls aged 12-18 aimed at building skills and increasing their confidence. Hull Sisters has been awarded £10,000 to provide a 6-month programme aimed at developing the skills of women from the BAMER communities. Hull Lighthouse has been awarded a grant of £5132 to enable them to continue to support women affected by sexual exploitation, including those who have worked in street prostitution or exited. Rooted in Hull has been awarded a grant of £8481 to run sessions for a year for women who are vulnerable. SELFA in Craven has been awarded £7570 to run sessions focused at reducing social isolation in girls living in a rural area. Horizon Life Training in Harrogate has been awarded a grant of £9348 to provide a programme of activity to support former addicts. York Womens Counselling Service has been awarded a grant of £5357 to enable them to expand their coaching and mentoring for vulnerable women. Home Start York has been awarded a grant of £7510 to support mums with complex needs to build their confidence and skills and create a peer support network. York LGBT Forum has been awarded a grant of £9463 to provide 1-to-1 support for trans men and trans women. Community Foundations are local champions, connecting people and organisations that want to improve their communities. They invest in local people and organisations tackling some of the biggest issues facing communities today and supporting some of society’s most disadvantaged people. They provide help and advice to those who want to give at the heart of their communities, both now and in the long-term, by matching donors to important local causes. ...

October 15, 2019

Thirteen foundations based in the UK, including Two Ridings Community Foundation, have made an unprecedented commitment to tackle issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within the Foundation sector. By forming a coalition and working together, they are determined to face and address many of the systemic inequalities which currently exist in the way Foundations operate. The newly named ‘DEI coalition’ will provide a forum for the implementation of frameworks, processes and procedures within foundations and is focussed on building a body of practice for themselves and others in the UK sector to learn from. Each foundation has made an explicit dedication to prioritising this work, moving from merely talking about the issues to wanting to take practical action and set change in motion. Fozia Irfan, CEO of Beds and Luton Community Foundation, who is leading the initiative described the impact, they are hoping to achieve. “We have seen DEI frameworks being implemented in foundations across the globe but it is an area which is new to the UK – what we hope to do is to critically analyse the way we work and how we distribute funding, to make sure that we are reaching the communities most in need. Given the current political context, it is imperative that as foundations we are equitable, transparent and representative, otherwise we are simply not effective’. The DEI coalition will start meeting in January 2020 and each foundation has committed to working on this initiative for at least three years, to ensure that there is systematic progress and it remains a key priority. The 13 foundations include the National Lottery Community Fund, Children in Need, Barrow Cadbury, Lloyds Bank Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Friends Provident and the following community foundations – Essex, Milton Keynes, Quartet, Wiltshire, Two Ridings, Leeds and Surrey. Dawn Austwick, the CEO of the National Lottery Community Fund explained why the coalition is important; “We are delighted to be a part of this vital coalition of funders. We all have so much to learn as we journey towards greater inclusion - from each other and from others across the communities we support. We look forward to sharing ideas, developing practice, and urgently accelerating the pace at which we all work so that our funding helps build a society for everyone.” Paul Streets from the Lloyds Bank Foundation also stated: “As funders we often support work that seeks to change the world but it is imperative for us to address inequalities and commit to greater diversity, equality and inclusion within our own organisations. This ensures we are more representative of the diverse communities we seek to serve, we better understand the structural inequalities that too often hold them back and we are more open to new and different experiences and views in our decision making. We know we have a long way to go so we are proud to join with all the foundations of the DEI coalition to learn, collaborate and advance the cause within the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales and our sector as a whole.” The aim is for the DEI coalition to provide a vehicle to share best practice and learn together in a supportive environment but also to set a precedent for the sector to follow. Carol Mack the CEO of the Association of Charitable Foundations stated; “Addressing issues of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a pressing issue for the foundation sector and the positive response to our report DEI: The pillars of stronger foundation practice, shows there is enthusiasm and energy for action. I was delighted to learn about this inspiring collaboration involving so many ACF members and wholeheartedly welcome the initiative. This is a significant step for the foundation community and we look forward to seeing how it develops and to share learning with our wider membership. For further information please contact fozia.irfan@blcf.org.uk or 01582 522422 ...

October 3, 2019

Just over two months ago flash flooding caused major devastation across parts of Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale. In response and thanks to generous donations from across the UK, Two Ridings Community Foundation opened the Swaledale & Wensleydale Recovery Fund to provide assistance to people affected by this flooding. In addition to the contribution of £82,000 made by Two Ridings to start the fund, additional donations of over £140,000 means that the fund has £222,000 to distribute with more donations still coming in. To date the fund has made 128 payments of £300 to people affected by the flooding, with a further 18 in the pipeline. As a result of the case worker team visiting people affected by the flooding 11 further awards of £1000 plus have been made to help people in significant hardship, including 2 awards to small businesses. A further 14 similar awards are in progress and more will be made in the next few months as people come to terms with the financial impact of the floods. Awards have also been made to Arkengarthdale and Grinton Parish Councils with other parish council awards in progress. These awards are to assist with immediate repair work on severely damaged land or becks to protect properties and businesses. The money held in The Swaledale and Wensleydale Recovery Fund will be used to ensure that the families, farms and small businesses affected in Swaledale,  Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale have long-term support to help them recover from the effects of flooding. This includes awards to the Parish Councils as well as payments to residents to help them with the costs of temporary accommodation, running dehumidifiers or replacing items such as white goods and essential furniture. In addition, Two Ridings, with the help of Richmondshire Community Voluntary Action have regular drop ins with a range of other support organisations (The Farming Community Network, Richmondshire District Council, NFU) attending. Next drop dates are: Bellerby Memorial Hall 7th, 14th, 21st October 9.30am – 12noon Reeth Memorial Hall 4th, 18th, October, 1st, 15th, 29th November 9.30am – 12.30pm Jan Garrill Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated or pledged support. Every penny will be spent on supporting local people affected by the flooding in Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale.” To make a request for support or to find out more please contact the Two Ridings Community Foundation office on 01904 929 500 or email grants@tworidingscf.org.uk. There are also two major fundraising events organised by local residents and generously supported by local businesses and networks planned in the next month: Bids, Bands & a Big Night Out – Tennants, Leyburn on Saturday 19th October Grand Day Gala Dinner Dance – Tennants, Leyburn on Saturday 2nd November ...

September 16, 2019

[caption id=\"attachment_1721\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"542\"] Joe Rafferty of Ard Rock[/caption] [caption id=\"attachment_1719\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"600\"] Crowds enjoying the Ard Rock event 2018[/caption] [caption id=\"attachment_1720\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"600\"] Ard Rock crew helpng deal with the devastation of the July 2019 flooding[/caption] Following devastating flash flooding across parts of Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale, Two Ridings Community Foundation got a major boost to its fundraising efforts to assist residents affected by the floods when it received a donation of £48,655 from the organisers of the Ard Rock. Ard Rock is the UK\'s biggest mountain bike race and festival and it attracts some of the World\'s highest profile racers, with the 2019 event expected to host four previous mountain bike world Champions. The racing takes place in the Swaledale and Arkengratdale Valleys and, the festival has an expo area with bike brands from around the world, live music and activities for adults and children. The event, due to be held on 2-3 August 2019, had to be cancelled at short notice following the devastating flash flooding which damaged roads, homes and infrastructure close to the event site on 31st July 2019. Immediately after cancelling the event, the team led by Joe and Kelly Rafferty turned their efforts to fund raising to help the local community get back on its feet. As well as raffling of a high end Santa Cruz mountain bike they set up a donation page and asked their participants to support the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale communities. The donation to The Swaledale and Wensleydale Recovery Fund, which is being managed by the Two Ridings Community Foundation, will be used to ensure that the families, farms and small businesses affected in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale have long-term support to help them recover from the effects of flooding. This includes awards to the Parish Councils as well as payments to residents to help them with the costs of temporary accommodation, running dehumidifiers or replacing items such as white goods and essential furniture. The Fund will also support local farm businesses in hardship. £30,000 of the money raised by Ard Rock has already been pledged to Akrengarthdale, Reeth and Grinton Parish Councils to assist them with immediate repair work on severely damaged land to protect properties and businesses. Joe Rafferty from Ard Rock said: \"Swaledale and Arkengarthdale have been the host of Ard Rock for seven years now, and the valleys and beautiful scenery have given us all so many good times and special memories. On behalf of all the Ard Rock participants and the mountain bike community, we are delighted that the funds we raised will help the local community recover. We would also like to thank the Two Ridings Community Foundation for managing our donation and their hard work so far, we have full confidence that they will ensure that it is used in the best possible way. Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation said: “The donation from Ard Rock reflects the special place this community has for all the people involved in the Ard Rock event. We will ensure that the Fund’s donation is used to help people in the affected area get back on their feet again. But in the meantime, the Dales are open for business as usual, so do continue to visit and support our amazing community”. Donations are welcome from individuals, businesses or others who want to use Two Ridings Community Foundation’s local expertise to ensure the funds make a difference. To donate please visit: https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/nyorks-recovery-fund/ To date the fund has made 124 Stage one payments of £300 to people affected by the flooding and 6 stage two payments of £1000 plus to help people in financial hardship. Many more stage two payments will be made in the next few months as people come to terms with the financial impact of the floods. To make a request for support please contact the Two Ridings Community Foundation office on 01904 929 500 or email grants@tworidingscf.org.uk. There are 46 Community Foundations in the UK, each has an in-depth local knowledge and they are often called upon to mobilise donations to help victims of natural disasters. If you would like any further information about the work of the Foundation, how to support us or grants awarded in your area, please do not hesitate to contact the office.             ...

September 4, 2019

Join us for this years The High Sheriff of North Yorkshires DRAGONS DEN Date: Thursday 3rd October 2019 Time: 5.30 for 6pm Location: Rudding Park, Harrogate HG3 1JH Ticket cost: £25, includes drinks and canapes, ticket sales go directly to the pitching charities on the night. Please purchase your tickets before 23 September, online at: www.dragonsden2019.eventbrite.co.uk This year, the High Sheriffs Dragons Den has teamed up with THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District (another Two Ridings Community Foundation fund) to focus on mental health and wellbeing in the Harrogate District. Like the television programme, selected local charitable organisations will \'pitch\' for funding to the audience and a panel of Dragons. The audience will have a chance to ask questions and vote. Disability Action Yorkshire is up-cycling chairs for the Dragons, available for purchase at the event. We hope you can join us. Dragons\' Den Invitation ...