Two Ridings Community Foundation Awards More Than £145,000 to York Charities

48 community organisations across York have received more than £145,000 in the latest round of the York Community Fund, strengthening local groups and supporting purposeful community action across the city.

The funding helps groups stay open, respond to local priorities and build a city where everyone feels they belong.

The York Community Fund is a partnership between Two Ridings Community Foundation, City of York Council, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York CVS and York Together.

Launched in 2024, the fund supports York’s voluntary and community organisations in practical, meaningful ways, giving them the space, stability and support they need to make a difference locally.

It's described as "a  fund shaped by York, for York."

This round of funding included 41 micro grants to support quick and flexible local projects, and seven collaboration grants, which give organisations time to reflect, learn and build new approaches together.

Funding also covered essential running costs, allowing groups to continue providing trusted support to York residents.

MySight York and OCAY are using their collaboration grants to work together to explore a new partnership to offer stronger support for older people living with sight loss.

OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity received collaboration funding to develop a clearer pathway that will help children returning to York after specialist treatment elsewhere.

Clown Space CIC, a neurodivergent-led theatre company, are using their grant to expand accessible provision and strengthen mentoring relationships.

Speaking on the funding, James Lewis-Knight, CEO & Artistic Director at Clown Space said: “This funding gives us something we rarely have, which is time, time to explore new ideas, listen to the people we support and build approaches that truly work for the communities we support."

“It has created space for us to confidently step into being a neurodivergent-led theatre company in York and make meaningful collaborations which will expand our reach and create work which resonates with and meets the needs of those we serve.”

The micro grants are supporting smaller but equally significant projects across the city.

These include: The Island - train new youth mentoring volunteers, The Tiny Roar CIC - a charity which is  co-designing free events for the Make Space York Festival 2026  and Lollipop - a charity that provides social activities for deaf children and families.

Musical Connections received a micro grant to provide free, accessible transport for vulnerable older people in York to enable them to attend their musical sessions.

Charlotte Yandell, Project Manager at Musical Connections said: “Older people in York have told us that a lack of accessible and affordable transport is a major barrier to taking part in community life, often leading to isolation and marginalisation - thanks to the York Community Fund grant, we’re able to remove this barrier by providing free, accessible transport to all of our music sessions, community choirs, and intergenerational events.

“As the only charity in York offering free transport of this kind, this support is making a genuine difference to people’s lives - helping them stay connected, active, and involved in their community.”

Image: Musical Connections

Working in a participatory way

Like in previous rounds, funding decisions for the York Community Fund were made through a participatory process.

Twelve local people with lived experience of tackling social and economic disadvantage in York shaped the application guidance, reviewed applications and made the final decisions.

Thomas Waring, Head of Grants at Two Ridings said: “Participatory grant making is about grounding decision making in people’s real experience of life, it keeps power with the people who know their communities best."

“After distributing the first round of funding, a group of residents and charity leaders came together to learn from that experience, and further strengthen how the fund runs, responding directly to the needs of community organisations."

York Communities of Practice

This learning also led to the creation of Communities of Practice - regular gatherings where collaboration grant holders can share, reflect, and explore practical ways to work together.

The first session in February created a supportive space that left participants feeling 'seen, energised, and hopeful.'

One participant described the session as “a warm hug disguised as a meeting,” while another called it “a space to be heard and genuinely supported.”

Summarising the importance of the fund and the process, Celia McKeon, Chief Executive of Two Ridings said: “York Community Fund is designed and managed by, with and for people and communities in the city."

She continued saying: "We are proud that it supports such a large number of vital community organisations, whose work is improving people’s lives on a daily basis, life in our city is better because of their activities."

"We know that funding is crucial to their survival, but also to their ability to develop their work and meet changing needs, we are committed to growing the fund and walking alongside community groups in the years ahead.”

How to get involved in The York Community Fund

If you want to donate to the fund, you can do so here.

Applications for the next round of the York Community Fund will open in August 2026 -  apply at Two Ridings Community Foundation.

What is Two Riding's Community Foundation?

Two Ridings Community Foundation is an independent charity "helping people and businesses give with purpose", funding hundreds of grassroots community organisations across North and East Yorkshire, York and Hull each year.

They act as a bridge between donors and community groups, ensuring local generosity creates lasting impact where it is needed most.

The Foundation supports groups tackling poverty and inequality.

The foundation says that it  "improves health and wellbeing, reduces loneliness, strengthens community connections and advances equity and belonging."

Their funding enables vital frontline services and life-changing local activity.

Two Ridings manages over 100 funds for local philanthropists, families, businesses and investors, "helping to build a thriving and resilient region."

Since 2000, Two Ridings has awarded over £24 million in grants, supporting around 500 community organisations each year, with an average grant of £3,500.