Latest News

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 ...

September 2, 2019

Its hard to believe its exactly one month since the Swaledale & Wensleydale Recovery Fund opened to support people and their lives affected by the flash flooding in July 2019. The attached North York Flood Appeal FAQs 2 September 2019 gives the latest information about the fund and helps people decide whether or not to apply to the fund. To request a phase two award please get in touch with the team: Telephone 01904 929 500 Email grants@tworidingscf.org.uk Write to us: Two Ridings Community Foundation, Pavilion 2000, Amy Johnson Way, York YO30 4XT ...

August 14, 2019

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 families affected by the floods when it received a donation from The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund. 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 and small businesses affected have long-term support to help them recover from the effects of flooding. Immediate payments of £300 will be paid 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 businesses in hardship by replacing lost tools and equipment. On receiving a £300 payment, Ian Dawson, a resident of Reeth said: “On behalf of my family and all the other people affected by the flooding I would like to thank The Prince of Wale’s Charitable Fund, local businesses and the innumerable individuals who have donated to the Two Ridings Community Foundation fund. Experiencing the devastation from flooding tests us all but knowing that others are there for the long term to help, to empathise and to make the rebuilding of our homes and communities something that will happen is both humbling and heart-warming.” Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation said: “The donation from The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund reflects The Prince of Wales’s love for the area and deep understanding of the potential impact of flooding on our community. 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 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. ...

August 1, 2019

Following the flash flooding that hit Swaledale and Wensleydale, North Yorkshire this week, Two Ridings Community Foundation will be making financial awards to households and small businesses affected by the floods. Two Ridings are asking anyone whose main place of residence was flooded to get in touch with us so that we can help. We will use the local authority list of areas and streets flooded to ascertain which properties were affected and householders will need to show proof of residence. The fund will help households where water came into houses (but not where it only went into gardens or garages) and small businesses where personal hardship has arisen as a result of premises being flooded Our priority in the immediate aftermath of the floods will be to provide instant financial support to people affected by the floods to help with urgent needs like the costs of living in temporary accommodation, or items to people so they could stay in their homes – e.g. costs of running dehumidifiers. We will make an immediate payment of £300 to anyone in North Yorkshire whose home was flooded in July 2019. We will also be working with the local authority and partner charities like British Red Cross so that when people are ready to move back into their homes we can provide further financial support.  At that point the needs of each households will be assessed individually and awards made on that assessment and priority will be given to households in need where there are particular cases of hardship: households with family members who were elderly, very young or with disabilities, people on very limited incomes and those without contents insurance and, where relevant, buildings insurance or very high excess on policies. Items that would be considered include carpets, essential furniture like tables and chairs, beds, bedding and white goods. Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation said: “Being flooded is devastating and like we did back in 2016, we want to offer straightforward financial assistance. We know in the immediate aftermath of flooding that a payment of £300 can help people with the incidental extra costs of living in temporary accommodation or renting dehumidifiers so that’s what we are offering straightaway.” To make a request for support please contact the Two Ridings Community Foundation office on 01904 929 500 or email grants@tworidingscf.org.uk Stage 1 individual application form Stage 2 individual application form Guidelines for individuals North York Recovery Fund FAQs 2019 ...

July 26, 2019

We are recruiting and its a cracker of a role...supporting leaders in the voluntary and cultural sector in Hull and East Riding to be well connected, collaborative, generous leaders and act as advocates for this approach within their own organisations, the wider social and cultural sector and beyond. The HEY Confident Futures Programme, funded to March 2022 by Rank Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund and others, aims to support the development of a collaborative, confident cohort of leaders within the social and cultural sector in Hull & East Yorkshire. This programme originated from the longstanding work of Rank Foundation in Hull (especially the development of the Hull Community Development Network & Hull Activity Grants) and the HEY100 leadership programme in 2018. And the Partnership Manager will be the linchpin behind all of this. We are looking for a person with strong connections to the area who can engage and enthuse, network & collaborate and lead and share. Interested? Visit our vacancies page or get in touch with Jan Garrill, our CEO to find out more. ...

July 4, 2019

In the inspiring setting of Ripon Cathedral and in front of the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, the Mayor of Harrogate, the Deputy Mayor of Boroughbridge and the Mayor of Pateley Bridge, Dean John welcomed guests to celebrate the opening of THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District and the first anniversary of the Local Lotto. Guests from local charitable organisations  heard from Cllr Sam Gibbs, chair of the Harrogate Borough Council Voluntary and Community Sector Liaison Group and Gary Campeljohn, Treasurer of Ripon AFC football club. Both Sam and Gary described the difference it makes to have a local fund for groups in the Harrogate District and also the value of the local lotto, even after just twelve months of operation. Gary said: “Having the support of local funding has made a huge difference to us, we used our LOCAL FUND award last year to improve our changing rooms and provide better access for our members with restricted mobility. In addition, as a result of signing up to be a good cause for the Local Lotto we have 45 members and got £500 to help us provide kit.” Harrogate Borough Council has contributed £30,000 this year towards THE LOCAL FUND, which together with funding from the Harry Bolland Trust Fund and other local donors and fundraising means we have over £40,000 to award grants of between £200 and £3000 to local charitable organisations in the Harrogate District. To find out more about the fund please visit https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/fund/tlfharrogate/ The Mayor of Harrogate, Cllr Stuart Martin, assisted by Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation  thanked everyone for attending and formally opened THE LOCAL FUND for applications. THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District has been established to provide grant funding to local community groups and charities across the District.  It will focus on addressing local need by supporting the work of community groups and charities whose work is dedicated to improving the lives of local people. Designed to encourage local giving, it will provide a long-term source of funding support and encouragement to the work of local organisations, regardless of size, tackling social issues that affect local people. Alongside the fund, THE LOCAL LOTTO provides a fundraising opportunity for local voluntary and community groups, which enables Harrogate residents to support the local organisations they care about most. Money raised through THE LOCAL LOTTO will contribute towards keeping the community sector thriving across the district. THE LOCAL LOTTO is being promoted jointly by the Council and THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District and is being run independently by Lottery Manager Gatherwell. If you’re interested in supporting local charities and community groups in Harrogate, you can support THE LOCAL FUND by becoming a donor. Please get in touch with the team at Two Ridings Community Foundation by emailing info@tworidingscf.org.uk You can also choose to support local charities via THE LOCAL LOTTO, knowing that 60p from every £1 ticket will go directly to the local charity or community group of your choice. Local residents can also choose to support THE LOCAL FUND, and are encouraged to visit THE LOCAL LOTTO website for tickets and further information www.thelocalotto.co.uk   Further details about The Local Fund for the Harrogate District and how to apply to be a ‘Friend’ can be found on the Two Ridings Community Foundation website at https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/tlfharrogate or the HARCVS website at https://www.harcvs.org.uk/FriendsTLF   ...

May 30, 2019

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 20th June 2019. ...

May 3, 2019

We are currently reviewing the applications from charities to participate. STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION Last year\'s The High Sheriff of North Yorkshire\'s Dragons\' Den event was a huge success! It was held at The Orangery Settrington on Wednesday, 10 October 2018. The evening was such a success due to the five charities who braved the experience and pitched to the Dragons and audience, the generous donations by the Dragons and others, and our sponsors Kenelm & Karen Storey and Brown Shipley. The Dragons: Linda Fenwick, Rodger Hobson, James Lambert, Simon Mackaness, Tim Rymer and Venetia Wrigley The Pitching Charities: InterActive Whitby and District, Art Therapy Yorkshire, Leyburn Arts & Community Centre, Sleights Area Men’s Shed and Community Furniture Store Ryedale. We believe everyone enjoyed learning about a few of the local grassroots charities Two Ridings\' supports. After hearing their pitches, thoughtful questions and a thorough deliberation, the Dragons awarded £28,000 to the five local grassroots charities: £7,000 to Interactive Whitby & District, £7,000 to Community Furniture Store Ryedale, £5,000 to Art Therapy Yorkshire, £5,000 to Leyburn Arts & Community Centre and £4,000 to Sleights Men in Sheds. We managed to have such a good pot of money due to the generosity of the Dragons and others, as well as some matching of donations from Funds held by Two Ridings. Additionally, the Audience voted and awarded £500 to Interactive Whitby & District, to support their work with children with disabilities. Special thanks also goes out to Kenelm & Karen Storey, Brown Shipley, TastesDivine catering, Elite Sound, Tate-Smith Ltd, Community Furniture Store Ryedale for the upcycled Dragons\' chairs, Chris Legard High Sheriff of North Yorkshire for 2018 for being our Master of Ceremonies and the Dragons. ...

April 11, 2019

Two Ridings Community Foundation wants to support the #SmallButVital charitable organisations in North & East Yorkshire with workshops that help grant applicants: Understand what is the essential information many funders need from your application Get to grips with putting together a good budget for your bid that covers overhead costs Learn from other similar groups in your area Pick up useful tips and ideas from elsewhere We do this through our funding workshops - sessions of about 2 hours where you and a small number of other groups can spend time with our grants people (Jackie or Roxanne), our finance expert (Fran) and others who can help you add value to what you do. We have a series of them coming up over the next few months 12th June Harrogate 18th June Hull 20th June Skipton 4th July Ryedale (Malton) If you are interested in attending or knowing more contact us here. ...

April 10, 2019

Doing activities or investing in the charity to be more effective? Traditionally many of the grants made by Two Ridings Community Foundation were focussed on supporting groups to do activity (project funding) but in the last year we have supported groups in York with grants to help them improve their effectiveness. This funding of charities to have resources, space and time to think and learn – especially when it comes to strategic planning - is often seen by charity staff as a luxury compared to delivery. Yet it reaps long term benefits. Donors and funders tend to favour giving awards for running an event or doing a specific project. But through leadership shown by funders like Lloyds Bank Foundation, there is more evidence and practice that shows funding and other support for charities to be effective can have a significant impact on those charities in the long term. ...

March 19, 2019

As part of IWD2019 celebrations Two Ridings CEO, Jan Garrill, joined Hull Sisters for a celebration lunch & to drop off items donated at IWD2019 lunches. Thanks to our friends at York Rotary & Next Up for providing essential items to Hull Sisters and other women\'s groups in our region. ...