The national voice for local communities
We are the national membership organisation for accredited community foundations around the UK.
Our members bring together people and organisations wanting to make a positive difference to communities through place-based philanthropy. Collectively, our network has a presence in every part of the UK.
accredited community foundations in the UK
distributed last year
grants awarded in 2023
international accredited community foundations
This year...
'Foundations for the future:
Investing in communities'
- How can we catalyse community philanthropy?
- How can we re-imagine grant making?
- What does the future hold for community investment?
Join us and others from around the world in Harrogate, England, from Tuesday 8th to Thursday 10th October 2024 to explore these questions and many more at our ‘Foundations for the future: Investing in communities’ conference.
This year, our fantastic speakers, panels and attendees will delve into philanthropy and government, future thinking and social innovation, public interest news, upstreaming funding, re-imagined grant making, the future of Vital Signs, strategic philanthropy, the future of work, and much more.
We can't wait to share the full programme with you later in the summer.
Here for the long term
UKCF has been the national membership for accredited community foundations for over 30 years. Our mission is for every UK community to thrive with support from community foundations, known for their ability to identify local need and provide resources that empower positive change, through place-based philanthropy.
We support our community foundation members and the vital work they do by providing training, resources and advocacy of the aspirations of local communities at a national level.
We also manage innovative learning-focused programmes that filter through multiple community foundations, delivering widescale giving at a local level.
What is a community foundation?
A community foundation connects people and organisations with local causes that matter to them. It is a charitable grant-making organisation focused on supporting a defined geographical area. It does this by building socially-focused endowments and generating funds to support individuals, voluntary groups and local organisations that make a difference.
Each accredited community foundation in our network has its own approach and focus, reflecting the region or nation it supports. Learn about the types of causes our network has supported in the last year.
4Wings, supported by the Community Foundation for Merseyside
The Rural Coffee Caravan, supported by Suffolk Community Foundation
Strengthening communities
Place-based funding is the common thread that unites community foundations. Our members are embedded in their place, understanding the challenges their diverse communities face and working tirelessly for better opportunities for all.
They pursue long-term change for their communities by identifying the local context, collaborating with others, applying multiple interventions, and constantly learning from and adapting to new circumstances.
Read our latest news
Our Impact
UKCF was established in December 1991. Today, it is the membership body for 47 accredited community foundations which collectively cover every postcode of the UK, including in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Learn more
Partner with us
Want to join our movement and support communities to thrive? Take a look at how our partnerships work. Learn more
Events
We often come together with our members and professionals from the wider field of philanthropy to share expertise and learn about the latest movements in social investment and philanthropy. Have a look at our latest events. Learn more
Key Partners
We are pleased to work closely with the following organisations
UK Community Foundations is a registered charity in England and Wales. Registered company in England and Wales . Registered address: UK Community Foundations, Northgate Business Centre, 38-40 Northgate, Newark, NG24 1EZ. Registered company no. 2651777 | Registered charity no. 1004630. Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved.