QFUTURES Community Fund opens a new round, now across two regions
In Spring 2025, we launched our partnership with rural broadband provider Quickline to create the QFUTURES Community Fund. This fund was set up to boost digital inclusion and strengthen community development across North and East Yorkshire.
Last year, over £63,000 was awarded to local groups across York, Pocklington, and Selby, helping people build digital confidence, develop essential skills, and improve access to education, training, and employment. Four organisations received multi-year grants: Selby CoderDojo, MySight York, The Island and Community Furniture Store. This long-term support is helping them plan, grow their services and make a lasting difference; you can read about these groups here.
The fund is now open again, with an expanded area of funding. There are now two separate funding opportunities, one for the East Riding of Yorkshire and one for North Yorkshire.
QFUTURES Community Fund (East Yorkshire)
The fund in East Yorkshire supports people living and working in rural communities, with a focus on improving access to employment and training. We are looking for community projects that respond directly to local needs and help people who face barriers to work or learning. Priority will be given to projects that support underrepresented groups, people affected by neurodiversity, and women and girls. Grants are offered over three years to help organisations build deeper and more sustainable impact.
Projects might include accredited training, life skills programmes, digital literacy sessions, learning hubs, support with CVs and transferable skills, remote learning options, multi-skilled training for seasonal work or support for rural start-ups. We also welcome ideas that make learning more accessible, such as family friendly environments or help with childcare and travel.
QFUTURES Community Fund (North Yorkshire)
The fund in North Yorkshire aims to strengthen rural communities by supporting collaboration and partnership working. We are looking for initiatives that bring people together, build local connections and respond to shared challenges. Priority will be given to projects that support climate action and resilience, underrepresented groups and people affected by neurodiversity. These grants are also offered over three years to give organisations the time and space to develop strong partnerships and test new ways of working.
Projects might include community development networks, support for migrant, refugee and asylum seeking communities, neighbourhood projects that address climate impact, community led decarbonisation plans, leadership development in community spaces, income generating ideas or partnerships that use local culture and nature to improve wellbeing.
The partnership behind QFUTURES is rooted in a shared belief that rural communities deserve long-term investment and the chance to shape their own futures.
Celia McKeon, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, said…
“We are thrilled to be working with Quickline to support thriving communities in North Yorkshire and the East Riding. This funding will enable stronger partnerships that underpin grassroots community action that changes people’s lives and enables them to flourish.”
Ash Cane, Social Values Executive at Quickline, shared with us…
“We are really looking forward to working with Two Ridings Community Foundation to deliver multi-year grants that empower communities to address local needs. Through this, real long-term and sustainable positive change can happen, and we are proud to be part of this initiative.”
Funding available
Community organisations in North Yorkshire can apply for up to £20,000 over three years (from a funding pot of £100,000). Whereas groups in East Riding of Yorkshire (excluding Pocklington) can apply for up to £15,000 over three years (from a funding pot of £150,000 ).
Both close for Expression of Interest at 12 noon on Monday 23rd February 2026.
Find out more and apply here: