A national voice for local communities
We are the membership organisation for 47 UK community foundations; the only national network of charitable funders with a physical presence in every part of the UK
largest funder in the UK
accredited community foundations
of National Emergencies Trust funding distributed during COVID-19
in distributed grants
Our vision, purpose and mission
Our vision is for every community across the UK to have access to an agile community foundation focused on addressing need wherever they find it. This is done through vibrant local philanthropy and giving, sustainable charitable funding, and local partnership working.
UKCF has a single purpose – to support community foundations. Our mission is therefore to provide inspirational leadership and advocacy at a national level for community foundations across the UK. We deliver training, resources and a national profile to enhance and sustain their support of local communities.
What is a community foundation?
A community foundation connects philanthropic people with local causes that matter to them. It’s a charitable organisation focused on supporting a defined geographical area by building endowments and generating funds to support community needs and local organisations making a difference.
Community foundations offer a variety of grant-making programmes funded by donations from individuals, families, businesses as well as grants from local authorities and the Government.
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 our 47 community foundations. Our members are embedded in their place, understand the challenges their diverse communities face and work 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.
Transfer your trust
We work in partnership with the Charity Commission to revitalise trusts which have been identified as inactive or dormant, and we help trustees to ensure that available funds reach good causes LEARN MORE
Corporate partnerships
We work with businesses, locally and nationally, who want to give back to the communities they serve. Our members have a unique understanding of local needs and offer an easy, effective and transparent way for businesses to invest in their communities with maximum impact LEARN MORE
Local giving
Local philanthropy is vital to thriving communities and is at the heart of what we do, so we can provide funding to those who need it in the future. Our members connect people who care about their community to the causes that most need their support LEARN MORE
“With the help of organisations like UK Community Foundations, money is getting out of the door to where it’s needed the most. Funds have helped existing charities transform their services so that they can keep providing support in the most challenging conditions.”
Baroness Diana Barran, Minister for Civil Society
How community foundations are contributing towards the SDGs
November 23 2021
Community foundations launch local winter appeals to combat fuel poverty
November 16 2021
Reflecting on ‘Together21: Towards equitable and inclusive communities’, our membership convention
November 10 2021
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: Unit 1.04 Piano House, 9 Brighton Terrace, London SW9 8DJ. Registered company no. 2651777 | Registered charity no. 1004630. Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved.