Funding Opportunity: Support to help rural community groups grow stronger

We know that community groups are the backbone of life in North and East Yorkshire — creating welcoming spaces, tackling local challenges, and providing support where it’s needed most. Now, there’s funding to help those groups strengthen from the inside out.

Applications are currently open for an Organisational Development grant, a pot of funding designed not for projects or activities, but for something just as important: helping groups work smarter, grow stronger, and become more sustainable for the long term.

Why this fund matters

Many groups find it easy to ask for support with activities – or indeed to find funding that is for a specific project –  but it’s harder to find funding for the behind-the-scenes essentials — things like leadership development, financial planning, improving systems, or building solid governance. Yet these are the foundations that keep a community group strong, stable, and ready for whatever comes next.

This grant is designed exactly for that. It’s open to groups tackling local priorities such as:

• poverty
• health and wellbeing
• isolation
• community cohesion
• inequalities

Successful applicants will show how a boost to their organisational strength will help them create even more lasting impact in their community.

Real impact in action

Previous recipients of an Organisational Development grant have already shown how transformative this type of funding can be.

Rural Support Service Revival used their grant to increase their Managing Director’s working hours. That extra capacity unlocked essential new funding, expanded their services, improved systems, and created new partnerships. The outcome? More residents now have access to activities, domestic support, companionship, and dementia information.

Share Skipton brought in a Volunteer Coordinator who recruited new volunteers, developed mentoring and training programmes, and nurtured a stronger, more inclusive volunteer culture. “It’s inspiring to see people come together with a shared purpose,” the coordinator shared — a sentiment echoed by many who’ve benefited from the fund.

What this grant can support

The Organisational Development Grant is flexible and can help with a wide range of improvements, including:

• Business planning and income diversification
• Leadership or trustee development
• Systems to monitor and measure impact
• Fundraising strategy development
• Marketing and communications
• Exploring new income streams
• Software or digital tools to increase efficiency
• Collaboration or shared services with other organisations

In short: if it strengthens the organisation itself, it’s worth considering.

Ready to strengthen your future?

If your group is looking to build stronger foundations and ensure you can continue making a difference for years to come, this is a brilliant opportunity. You can apply for up to £10,000 and need to be based in North or East Yorkshire or in York (except the former Selby District).

Applications are now open and close at 12 noon on Wednesday 14 January 2026.

You can find full details and apply here: Organisational Development Fund – Two Ridings Community Foundation.

If you’d like to talk through an idea or check if your plans fit the fund, the Two Ridings Grants team is happy to help. Give them a call on 01904 929500 for an informal chat.

Now’s the time to think big, work differently, and invest in the future of your organisation. Communities across our region are stronger when their groups are strong too — and this fund is here to help make that happen.