Celebrating the York Community Fund, an evening of collaboration and local action

Last week, St Sampson’s Centre was filled with the kind of warmth and generosity that makes York such a special place to live and work. Our annual Give Back to York event brought together community groups, funders and partners, all united by a shared belief in the power of local people to shape a fairer, more connected city.

People from community groups who received funding from the latest round of the York Community Fund came together – an inspiring cross‑section of the people powering community action across the city.

In total, more than £145,000 has been awarded to local organisations, including 41 micro grants supporting quick, responsive projects and seven collaboration grants giving community leaders time to strengthen partnership working.

The room was full of groups who are mentoring young people, supporting families, creating spaces for connection, and co‑designing future events for the city. Seeing so many of them gathered together, sharing ideas, celebrating each other’s work and recognising their collective impact, was a powerful reminder of what the fund exists to do; strengthen purposeful community action across York.

One of the standout moments of the evening was a panel conversation between Thomas Waring, Head of Grants at Two Ridings, Scott Jobson from MySight York and Amy Faulkner‑Gadd. Together, they explored participatory decision-making and the role this played in the York Community Fund. They spoke about why people with lived experience must be at the centre of funding decisions, and how this approach continues to shape a process that is more grounded in real life. Their passion was infectious, and the room heard firsthand how transformative this way of working is.

The Mixed Bag Players brought both humour and humility to the evening, with their performance and stories of theatre, recovery and connection. They reminded us how creativity can rebuild confidence and community for people affected by mental illness and addiction. Their honesty grounded the night in the everyday impact of community action, the kind that quietly changes lives.

We also heard from Nicola at St James the Deacon Church, who shared the difference the funding is making locally, and from Bruce Warnes of The Shears Foundation, who spoke about why they chose to invest in the fund. His reflections on the value of supporting local funders who understand their region resonated deeply.

Collaboration echoed as a theme throughout the event. Chief Executive Celia McKeon shared a powerful reflection on the long‑term vision behind the York Community Fund. She reminded us…

“One of the great things about the York Community Fund is that it has been established to provide a long‑term source of funding for community and voluntary action. Those of you who run community groups will know how important it is to have access to sources of funding that will be available long‑term. Because although this work is about making a difference in the here and now, the need for it will also be there this year, next year, and the next and the next.

We are committed to continuing our part of the collaboration, with our strategic partners in the city, with our donors, and also extending that collaboration to others who share our passion about the importance of enabling communities where everyone can flourish, now and in the future.”

Her words were echoed in the round‑table discussions that took place on the night, conversations full of shared learning and hopeful visions for York’s future. These exchanges reflect the spirit behind the newly established Communities of Practice, which offer space for organisations to learn and share reflections.

A huge thank you to LNER for sponsoring the event again this year, and to all our donors, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, The Shears Foundation, The York Quaker Fund, York Central and the many private donors in the city, whose generosity keeps this fund growing.

We left the evening with full hearts, reminded once again that York’s greatest strength is its people; generous, collaborative and determined to build a city where everyone belongs.

For those inspired to make a difference in York who would like to talk through donating to the York Community Fund, please see Donate to the York Community Fund or get in touch with Celia on 07519 485103.

Applications for the next round of the York Community Fund open in Summer 2026. Apply at Two Ridings Community Foundation.