Harrogate celebration highlights £37,000 awarded to 17 community groups through THE LOCAL FUND
Recently, Artizan café in Harrogate buzzed with warmth and gratitude as community leaders, donors, and grassroots champions gathered for the Give Back in Harrogate District celebration. The event marked the distribution of over £37,000 in grants to 17 local community groups, made possible through THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District.
The evening spotlighted the transformative work of small, community organisations tackling isolation, supporting young people, and strengthening community wellbeing. From youth programmes and mental health support to sports clubs and initiatives for older residents, this year’s grants have empowered a wide range of vital projects.
Celia McKeon, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, delivered an inspiring speech:
“THE LOCAL FUND is built by the people and businesses of this area, for this area. It’s about investing in the power of community action to transform lives. Too many people face isolation, hardship, and barriers to opportunity — and it’s local groups who are changing that. They create spaces of care, connection, and belonging — often quietly, but always powerfully.”
She extended heartfelt thanks to former Harrogate Borough Council, local businesses, and individual donors, adding:
“We’re thrilled to support 17 community groups whose work uplifts wellbeing across the district. It’s a privilege to witness communities growing stronger through local giving.”
Guests heard from Liz at Artizan Café, who emphasised the importance of collaboration among community groups, and Michelle from Resurrected Bites, whose team catered the event from their food hub — a project tackling food poverty and waste in the town.
Three funded groups shared moving stories:
- The Village Harrogate, part of Hope Church Harrogate described how their wellbeing groups have helped anxious or lonely mums find connection and confidence.
- Ohana in Ripon celebrated their work supporting children and families with special educational needs.
- Pinewoods Conservation Group delighted attendees with tales of rhododendron-clearing adventures and the accessible woodland path their grant helped create.
Leigh Himsworth of McInroy & Wood, a donor and grants panel member, shared how humbling and inspiring it was to help allocate funding to such impactful local projects.
Grants ranged from £3,000 for Inspire Youth Yorkshire to run bi-weekly girls’ sessions, to £250 for a coach trip for the Hampsthwaite Wednesday Group, a social lifeline for rural women over 50, many of whom live alone.
Councillor Sam Gibbs praised the enduring impact of THE LOCAL FUND:
“Year after year, THE LOCAL FUND uplifts our voluntary and community sector, which in turn uplifts our residents. Thank you to all who give so generously — whether directly or through THE LOCAL LOTTO.”
Since its launch in 2017, THE LOCAL FUND has been a cornerstone of community support in Harrogate, backed by a partnership of North Yorkshire Council, Harrogate & District Community Action, and Two Ridings Community Foundation. Despite changes to local government boundaries in 2023, the fund remains a lasting legacy, committed to improving lives across the district.
How you can help
New Donors are warmly welcomed – whether you choose to give monthly, make a one-off contribution, or leave a lasting legacy through your will, every gift helps strengthen the people and communities in Harrogate and the surrounding district.
THE LOCAL LOTTO continues to be a vital contributor, with at least 10p from every ticket going directly to THE LOCAL FUND. It’s a simple way for residents to support a thriving community sector — and maybe win something too.
Full list of the groups awarded grants in 2025
| Chain Lane Community Centre | Bought gardening tools including a lawn mower and safety gear to help create welcoming green spaces and encourage local volunteering. | £1,132 |
| Dancing for Wellbeing | Covered venue and activity costs for gentle dance sessions in Boroughbridge for over-60s. These classes offer friendship, movement and support. | £2,826 |
| Darley Cricket Club | Paid for new windows and doors to make the pavilion more comfortable and accessible for everyone in the community. | £3,000 |
| Gracious Street Methodist Church | Supported regular activities for older people in Knaresborough, including lunch clubs, dementia-friendly events, games, and digital skills sessions, bringing people together, tackling social isolation and getting people out and about. | £3,000 |
| Hampsthwaite Wednesday Group | Funded their summer outing, giving older women, many living alone, a chance to enjoy a day out together and shared camaraderie. | £250 |
| Harrogate & District Community Action | Backed the ‘Power of 10’ project, giving young people the opportuniy to volunteer locall, building their confidence, skills and wellbeing. | £3,000 |
| Harrogate & District Over Fifties Forum
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Funded two group trips to Kiplin Hall near Northallerton and Breezy Knees near York, helping people explore new places and make new friends. | £500 |
| Harrogate Baptist Church | Supported a weekly after-school club focused on young people’s mental wellbeing, offering a safe space to talk and connect. | £3,000 |
| Headway Harrogate & District | Bought promotional items to help raise awareness of their work supporting people with brain injuries and their families. | £1,000 |
| Inspire Youth Yorkshire | Funded youth sessions in Knaresborough for girls and young people with additional needs, offering fun, support and a sense of belonging. | £3,000 |
| Knaresborough Connectors | Paid for group outings, including a trip to Kynren, helping over-65s enjoy shared experiences and reduce loneliness. | £500 |
| Lifeline Harrogate | Covered costs for a seaside trip, giving residents in supported housing a chance to relax and build friendships and enjoy being out of town in a new place. | £3,000 |
| Markington Memorial Institute | Bought new equipment to improve the village hall, making it more appealing for clubs and activities, bringing new opportunity in a rural village. | £2,775 |
| Ohana | Helped cover costs for sessions supporting SEND families in Ripon, including baby sensory groups and parent/carer meetups. | £3,000 |
| Pinewoods Conservation Group | Created a signed nature trail through the woods, accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, helping more people enjoy the outdoors. | £3,000 |
| Taking Baby Steps CIC | Subsidised support sessions for families dealing with birth trauma, pregnancy loss or fertility struggles. | £2,990 |
| The Village Harrogate (Part of Hope Church Harrogate) | Launched wellbeing groups for mums feeling anxious or lonely, offering a kind and supportive space to connect. | £1,500 |