Our impact
For 50 years, community foundations have been working at the heart of UK communities, investing in communities to transform people's lives.
Last year...
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£177.6m+
was awarded throughout the UK
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32,500
grants supported individuals, groups and charities
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£6.5k
was the average grant size committed across our network
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3,100+
donor advised funds were managed around the UK
Where our funding goes
From setting up clothes banks to providing flood prevention, we work with communities to make good things happen.
In 2024, we helped people and organisations to invest over £177.6 million to support local communities to identify and tackle the issues that matter to them.
Funding from 2024 broken down into themes*:
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27% supported health and wellbeing
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23% supported equality and inclusion
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17% supported community development and safety
In addition to the above, community foundations fund a wide range of work on issues that matter, such as disaster responses, climate justice, action to prevent homelessness, isolation and poverty, plus education, arts, culture and heritage, and sports and recreation.
*2023-24 data above submitted by 33 UKCF members
Providing emergency support
Community foundations act quickly and efficiently during a disaster or crisis. In the past five years alone, we have:
Served as the national distributor of the Coronavirus Appeal, launched the Communities in Crisis Appeal in response to the cost-of-living crisis, distributed emergency relief for people escaping conflict in Afghanistan and Ukraine, launched a public appeal when the tragic knife attack took place in Southport, resourced communities affected by racist riots, acted quickly to raise funds for those affected by floods, and have provided emergency support every winter.
Investing now for the future
The strength of community foundations lies in balancing today's actions with tomorrow's ambitions. This is why each community foundation ensures its funds are managed responsibly and sustainably.
To date, our network has collectively distributed just over £2 billion throughout the UK. In the last five years, UKCF's partnerships have contributed over £114 million towards our network's grant making, and we are uniquely placed to build collaborative relationships that will ensure vital support for decades to come.
Our latest reports
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#iwill Fund: Youth Social ActionThis independent evaluation of the #iwill Fund explores key findings from youth-led social action initiatives supported by participating community foundations.
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All UKCF publicationsFrom our response to the Coronavirus pandemic to the role of philanthropy in the UK, you can find all our publications here.
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UKCF annual reportsAs a registered charity, we take transparency seriously. Take a look at our annual reports which show UKCF's adaption and evolution over the years.
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.