The Nidderdale Plus Community Fund awards £22,355 to local community organisations

The Nidderdale Plus Community Fund, managed by Two Ridings Community Foundation, awarded more than £22,000 to 13 organisations in its latest funding round in April 2026.

The fund supports charities and community groups that are improving lives across Nidderdale and the surrounding area, with a focus on strengthening communities and addressing local needs where support can make the greatest difference.

Funded entirely through income generated by the Nidderdale Plus charity shop in Pateley Bridge, every penny raised is reinvested back into the local community, benefiting people living in the area’s towns, villages and rural communities.

This latest round of grants will support a wide range of projects, helping local people develop new skills, improve their wellbeing and feel more connected to their communities.

Supporting people to thrive

Among the organisations receiving funding is Nidderdale Community Orchestra, who are using music to bring people together and promote social inclusion. With this grant, they expanded their music library for an orchestra that welcomes members of all abilities, and are working with professional soloists to enrich the experience for performing members.

Here’s how other local groups are making use of their grants:

• Darley Cricket Club refurbished and repainted their newly re‑rendered clubhouse to ensure the longevity of this well‑used community facility.
• Nidderdale & Pateley Bridge Men’s Shed covered rising running costs so they can continue offering a safe, supportive space for men to connect and take part in activities together.
• Warsill Gardening Club funded a garden trip and a flower arranging activity, giving members opportunities to socialise and try new skills.
• Norwood Social Hall Committee installed Wi‑Fi and wireless heating controls to improve this rurally isolated hall for current users, volunteers and future hirers.
• Washburn Heritage Centre repaired paving and steps outside the centre so the area is safe, welcoming and ready for their anniversary events.
• Upper Nidderdale Flower & Garden Club supported running costs for this small rural group, providing important social interaction for mainly older members.
• Lofthouse Memorial Institute undertook work to reduce damp and improve village facilities, particularly new spaces for wellbeing activities and art.
• Bloom Creative Wellbeing CIC offered free community singing sessions for older residents, encouraging joy, connection and reducing loneliness.
• Darley Methodist Church improved its community facility with warmer heating and better equipment, enhancing the experience for local residents and groups using the space.
• Dacre & Hartwith Playing Fields Association purchased a new slide to keep the park appealing and up‑to‑date, supported by additional funds raised at community events.
• Summerbridge Methodist Church installed acoustic damping panels to make this well-used rural community facility more accessible and more appealing for new users.
• Upper Nidderdale Heritage covered the costs of initial launch events to help bring people and communities together and rebuild connections across Upper Nidderdale.

Supporting rural communities

Since 2023, Two Ridings Community Foundation has distributed over £84,000 across 55 grants through the Fund, supporting local initiatives that strengthen rural communities throughout Nidderdale.

Applications for the Nidderdale Plus Community Fund are currently closed but will reopen in January 2027. Please visit tworidingscf.org.uk for more information.