Celebrating community, connection and the ripple effect of local giving

There is something powerful about bringing together people who share a passion for making a difference in their communities. Our recent LOCAL FUND gathering in Harrogate was a celebration of just that: the organisations, donors, supporters and community leaders working together to strengthen local communities.

Hosted in the welcoming surroundings of St Mark’s Church, the event provided an opportunity to connect, share experiences and reflect on the difference local giving makes. Opening the event, Celia McKeon, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, spoke about the ripple effect of supporting THE LOCAL FUND. In the most recent round of funding, £89,005 was distributed to 19 community groups, helping them deliver projects that improve people’s lives, health and wellbeing. Grants not only help organisations deliver vital activities, they also help groups build their skills, capacity and resilience for the future. Often, the impact of funding extends far beyond the original grant, creating opportunities, building confidence and bringing people together.

Lizzie Hughes from HADCA highlighted the importance of collaboration within the community sector. By sharing knowledge, building relationships and working together, organisations are able to achieve more collectively and create stronger support networks for local people.

Hearing the difference funding makes

One of the highlights of the afternoon was hearing directly from organisations supported by the fund.

Jen from St Mark’s shared how funding is helping strengthen support for young people through mental health training, ensuring those working alongside them are better equipped to recognise and respond to their needs.

We also heard from David at Orb Community Arts about their community cooking projects, which were developed after recognising that produce grown locally was often going unused. By creating opportunities for people to cook, learn and share meals together, they have been able to turn a challenge into a source of connection, learning and community pride.

Both stories demonstrated how local organisations understand the needs of their communities and how relatively small grants can unlock new ideas, opportunities and lasting change.

Looking to the future

The gathering also provided space to step back from individual projects and consider the bigger picture. Thomas, Head of Grants at Two Ridings, led a thoughtful community conversation about the challenges facing local organisations, the opportunities ahead and priorities for future investment.

People spoke about growing levels of social isolation, increasing mental health and wellbeing concerns, and the barriers that can prevent people from accessing support, particularly older people, carers, bereaved individuals and young people. Digital exclusion was also identified as a significant challenge for some residents.
The conversation highlighted the pressures facing voluntary and community organisations, with many experiencing rising demand while managing funding uncertainty, volunteer shortages and increasing pressure on resources. At the same time, there was a strong sense of optimism about what communities can achieve when people work together. People emphasised the importance of sustainable investment, trusted local relationships and accessible community spaces, alongside a desire for more long-term, flexible funding that enables organisations to plan ahead and build lasting impact.

These conversations are an important part of understanding where support is needed and how THE LOCAL FUND can continue to invest in thriving, connected and resilient communities. Thomas highlighted:

“One of the principles that guides our work is trust. Communities understand their own strengths, challenges and opportunities better than anyone else, so our role is to listen, learn and invest alongside them. Bringing people together in this way helps build the relationships, openness and shared understanding that lead to stronger, more resilient communities.”

Why we believe in THE LOCAL FUND

Liz Wild, Investment Director at McInroy & Wood, sponsor of the event, donor to THE LOCAL FUND and trustee of Two Ridings, closed the gathering by reflecting on why they believe in Two Ridings and why they support the fund.

She highlighted three key reasons: the integrity and care behind its grant making, its ability to create connections and opportunities beyond funding alone, and its dynamic approach to supporting both immediate community needs and long-term aspirations.

Her reflections captured what makes THE LOCAL FUND special. It is not simply about the grants awarded, but about the relationships, opportunities and shared commitment that help communities thrive.

Stronger together

As the afternoon came to a close, there was a real sense of connection in the room. It had been an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work taking place across the Harrogate district, learn from one another and recognise the shared commitment that sits behind so much community action.

THE LOCAL FUND, delivered through the partnership between Two Ridings Community Foundation, North Yorkshire Council and HADCA, is made possible by the generosity of donors including North Yorkshire Council, the Harry Bolland Trust Fund, The Shears Foundation, McInroy & Wood, Presence Church, Cobden Fund, individual supporters, and players of the THE LOCAL LOTTO and its impact is brought to life by the organisations and volunteers working within communities every day. Together, they create a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual grants, building connections, creating opportunities and improving lives.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, to St Mark’s Church for hosting us so warmly, to Indulge for the wonderful food, to McInroy & Wood for sponsoring the event, and to all the donors, supporters and community groups who make THE LOCAL FUND possible.

It was a wonderful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together.