Funding the Future, together
For 25 years, Two Ridings Community Foundation has been a force for good—supporting grassroots initiatives, empowering communities, and helping to transform lives across Yorkshire.
Since 2000, we’ve distributed over £23 million in grants to more than 7,000 local projects and charities—creating lasting change and opening new possibilities for thousands of people across our region.
Now, we’re focused on the future. As our communities evolve, so does our commitment to them. Building on everything we’ve achieved together, we’re looking ahead—partnering with donors, funders, and community groups to shape a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone who calls Yorkshire home.
The next 25 years start today. Join us in funding the future.
Help us reach £25 million 
To mark this milestone, we are launching a fundraising appeal to ensure that we continue to support communities for decades to come. Whether you’re an individual donor, a local business, or a long-standing partner, your support is essential in shaping a stronger, more resilient future.
Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will help sustain and grow community support where it is needed most.
- £25 – Regular donation
- £250 – One-off contribution
- £2,500 – Fund a full small grant to a grassroots organisation
- £10,000 – Help an organisation develop and expand its impact
- £25,000 – Contribute to one of our place-based Community Funds in Hull, Selby, Scarborough, Harrogate, or York
- £50,000 – Establish your own named fund to support a cause close to your heart
Talk to us about the impact you want to make
25 years of impact
Over the years, we have supported thousands of organisations, each with their own powerful story. Here are just a few examples of how your donations have changed people’s lives
MEET JOHN FROM YORK IN RECOVERY
My son's life turned around
“I owe my life, and my son's life to this group. Now is the first time in my life I can talk to Dan as an adult, rather than someone who is out of control”
For 30 years John watched his son slowly deteriorate through his addiction to alcohol. Dan was often out of control, regularly hospitalised, didn't care about his own life and his action were deeply affecting the lives of those who loved him. York in Recovery gave Dan hope. Engaging in small activities that he could relate to, with people who had experienced life in a similar way to him, brought meaning back to his life.
MEET CHARLIE FROM PARK HOUSE BARNS, EASINGWOLD
Sweet taste of success
"I love working part time at the Chocolate Academy, I really love routine and the my confidence has really grown ."
Charlie, 22, has autism and had been searching for paid employment for a long time, facing significant barriers in finding the right role. He came into contact with Park House Barns in 2024 and initially began volunteering for a few hours a week in the chocolate studio and packing room. He now has a paid 12 hour per week role, and he is thriving.
MEET DOMINIQUE AT THE PEEL PROJECT IN HULL
Supporting families in my community
"My son had anger issues, so I got him into Jujitsu and boxing. Now he’s calmer, and Jujitsu has become his space."
Dominique, a mother of four, has seen a significant change in her children since they started attending Jujitsu at The Peel Project. Since then she has started volunteering at The Peel Centre whenever her children are there. She loves being able to support other families in the community as well as her own children.
MEET THE YOUNG PEOPLE MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN IN SCARBOROUGH
Bringing agency to young people
"Mentoring taught me to open up. I don’t feel crushed by anxiety anymore—I know how to face it."
For over 30 years, Sidewalk has been a trusted presence in Scarborough, supporting young people through mentoring and detached youth work. They help young people make positive choices about education, health, and independence. By meeting them in community spaces they choose, Sidewalk makes support feel safe, accessible, and truly theirs.
MEET SINGERS IN RURAL NORTH YORKSHIRE
Crucial rural support for isolated people
"Everyone is very helpful and kind. We would miss them greatly if they were not around. We always know that Revival is here for both of us."
Revival North Yorkshire support hundreds of older and vulnerable people in Esk Valley's remote moor and coastal villages, enabling them to remain in their own homes as safely and happily as possible. Community spirit is revived through activities and meaningful befriending.
OUTKAST PANDA HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE THRIVE IN HULL
Racing his way to success
"One young person who struggled with mainstream education has transformed through his involvement in the community car project. His talent has lead him into a successful motorsport apprenticeship."
Outkast Panada Crew CIC are an innovative community group in Hull whose vehicle maintenance training has turned the lives around of many local young people in Hull. Their work brings confidence, opportunity, prospects and pride, as well as addressing anti-social behaviour.
CONNECTING THROUGH FOOD IN HARROGATE
Breaking bread together bringing safety and pleasure
"One of the guys started off not wanting to sit with everyone on the main table—but now he sits, eats, and chats with everyone. A big step that could really shape his future."
Working with people experiencing homelessness, Lifeline add loneliness and isolation with a fortnightly lunch club. Sharing food together, playing a game of pool and meeting up with former residents ensures some of the the town's most vulnerable people discuss their challenges together.
MEET THE WOMEN AT A HULL BREAKFAST CLUB
Starting the day the right way in Hull
“At the breakfast club there is chatter and banter between adults and the children. People get fed, start their day well and socialise in a safe environment."
The Breakfast Club at Humber All Nations Alliance started during Covid when food parcels were given to families directly taking into accounts people ethnicity and dietary requirements. Those same families now come together, and more, to start their day off in the right way.
A word from Celia
“This 25-year milestone is more than a celebration of time — it’s a celebration of people. Every step of our journey has been made possible by the generosity, vision, and belief of our donors, partners, and community organisations.
Every grant awarded, every life uplifted, and every neighbourhood strengthened stands as a testament to your support. Together, we’ve built something truly special — a foundation rooted in Yorkshire, powered by local giving, and driven by a shared purpose.
As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: to strengthen and connect our local communities, and ensure that no one is left behind. With your continued support, we can keep investing in the people and places that make our region thrive.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We invite you to stand with us in shaping the next 25 years — let’s fund the future, together.”
Our 25th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate with us
Our 25th celebration on Wednesday 1st October is at the iconic York Art Gallery. It is an opportunity for fund holders, supporters, community leaders, and past and present team members and volunteers to come together to reflect and celebrate our journey and look firmly ahead to the future.
One of our greatest strengths is our deep connection with the communities we serve. This event is about celebrating those relationships, sharing impactful stories, and strengthening our collective commitment to lasting change over the next 25 years.
Our 25 year Timeline
2000
York & North Yorkshire Community Foundation founded
The York & North Yorkshire Community Foundation was founded in October 2000 when David Kenworthy, former Chief Constable moved to North Yorkshire from the South East. He was familiar with the work the Quartet Community Foundation had done and wanted to bring that model to his new region.
2010
Extended region to included Hull & East Yorkshire
After starting as York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation, we doubled our area in 2010 to include Hull and East Yorkshire in our region. We rebranded as Two Ridings Community Foundation to depict the connection between North and East Yorkshire and created new partnerships all over our area.
2014
Jan Garrill takes over the reins at Two Ridings
Jan Garrill came from a Local Government background after working for many years at Newcastle City Council. Originally from Sheffield, she was happy to be back in Yorkshire and ready to make an impact.
2016
£1.5 millions raised for people affected by York floods
2016 saw floods enveloping the city of York overnight. Two Ridings reacted quickly creating the first York Flood Appeal and working with local businesses and emergency services to make a difference quickly.
2017
First place-based community fund launches
THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District was launched. Teaming up with the local council and town’s infrastructure organisation gave Two Ridings the right foundation to launch a fund very locally for people both in the rural district and local towns. Hundreds of community organisations have since been funded on a micro-local level.
2019
£10 million distributed!
In 2019 Two Ridings reached the milestone of distributing £10 million in grants across North & East Yorkshire, York and Hull.
2020
HEY Confident Futures leadership network launched
Our free network for leaders in the voluntary and cultural sector in Hull and East Yorkshire was launched in 2020. Now with over 500 members, it supports people at all stages of leadership—from emerging to established. The network fosters collaboration through events, shared resources, and sector news, helping people and organisations grow together.
2021
Distributed £3 million over the pandemic
When Covid hit the nation, Two Ridings reacted super quickly. We opened the Coronavirus Fund in March 2020 recognising the impact poverty, poor mental health and equality were already having on the region’s people. We also knew without support community organisations were at risk of going under. Within a week of opening, we made our first £1k grant, distributing more and more on a monthly basis.
2022
Two Ridings host Royalty
In 2022 we were honoured to introduce the Prince and Princess of Wales to several community organisations in the Scarborough region and host a round table with a group of young people from the town to chat about what would make an impact in their lives.
2023
New CEO Celia McKeon leads the Foundation
Celia McKeon joined Two Ridings from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, bringing a wealth of philanthropic and grant making experience to lead the team into the next generation.
2024
Community Funds open in Hull and York
Because people are passionate about the places where they live and they want to support community action directly in their own town or neighbourhood, we launched both the Hull Community Fund and the York Community Fund in 2024.
2025
Celebrating 25 years
A team of 11, a board of 13 and a hundred volunteers make up Two Ridings Community Foundation. Together, with past members of our team, we have distributed just over £23 million to some 7000+ community organisations across the length and breadth of North and East Yorkshire, York and Hull.
Help us reach £25 million. Help us fund the future.
Because impact doesn't end with what we've done
It begins with what we choose to do next
If you’d like to get involved with Two Ridings Community Foundation in this special year, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at hello@tworidingscf.org.uk .
Are you a community group we've supported?
Find out how you can contribute to our Anniversary Time Capsule and get involved in our special year.
A big thank you to our 25th Anniversary sponsors
