Two Ridings Community Foundation

26/06/2026

Did you catch news of our 5-year plan earlier this month? Well, here it is, in a nutshell.

Find out more: https://tworidingscf.org.uk/5-year-plan-2026/

25/06/2026

Recently, Stephanie and Vicky met with Hayley Austin and Caroline from One Community Foundation, who came over to share learning on our newly upgraded Salesforce System.

Community foundations across the UK (there are 47 of us, all working to grow philanthropy and fund community action in our local regions) are moving to Salesforce Lightning. Alongside the new system comes a whole range of changes to the way we manage grant making, business development, finance and operations.

The session was incredibly useful and a great opportunity to learn from each other's experiences.

As Stephanie said: “It was great to connect with another Yorkshire community foundation, and learn together.”

24/06/2026

If you ever need proof that joy can be baked, grown, brewed, and served with a smile, have two of your team visit Ripon Walled Garden for the afternoon. Earlier this month, Celia and Katherine came back absolutely glowing, and not just because of the sunshine.

They were welcomed by members who had prepared what was modestly described as “light refreshments.” In reality, it was a full‑scale, lovingly crafted feast starring cheese scones, fruit cones with cream and homemade raspberry jam, carrot cake, brownies, flapjack, plus Yorkshire tea and coffee.

And because the members think of everything, there was even a special nut‑free plate for Katherine. She assures us she was thoroughly spoiled and that they all left with doggie bags.

At Ripon Walled Garden, it was really heartening to see the way Members shape their own experience. Many join at sixteen when leaving school and stay for years, choosing activities that bring them purpose, pride, and community. It shows in every plate, every smile, every carefully tended corner of the garden.

And speaking of the garden, beyond the walls lies mature woodland and a beautiful orchard where they grow rhubarb, blackcurrants, redcurrants, blackberries, raspberries, apples, pears and even figs. A place that nourishes people as much as anything.

23/06/2026

Small Charity Week reminds us of something we see all the time at Two Ridings. Small charities change people's lives and make a huge impact on their communities day in, day out.

These charities are often the first place people turn when they need a listening ear, a safe space or practical support. Rooted in their communities, they understand their local residents and the challenges they face, offering personalised support that larger institutions often struggle to provide. They build trust, create a sense of belonging and step in early to help those who need it most. Driven by passion, commitment and deep local knowledge, they achieve remarkable things despite having limited resources.

We are proud to support them, to connect donors to their work and to champion the vital role they play across the region.

To every small charity in York and North Yorkshire, Hull and East Yorkshire, and beyond, thank you for everything you do.

22/06/2026

Huge congratulations to Confident Futures on reaching 600 members. A massive achievement for a network built on connection, confidence and community.

Have you attended an event or been part of the network?
Tell us in the comments what it gave you: inspiration, skills, confidence, new connections?

And if you’re working in the VCSE sector in Hull or East Yorkshire and haven’t joined yet… what’s stopping you! Membership is free, and it only takes two minutes to sign up.

👉Read more and sign here: https://bit.ly/4gO81E3

Today, we mark a major milestone: 600 members and growing!

🚀 From humble beginnings in 2020 with just 100 trailblazers, we've empowered leaders across Hull and East Yorkshire's voluntary sector to drive meaningful change.

Here's to many more years of collective impact and limitless possibilities! 💡

18/06/2026

These days, sadly, most of us know what a food bank is. But how many of us know what a baby bank does?

During a recent visit to Holme Family Connect with Neil Sanderson, the High Sheriff of East Riding, I asked Nicola that very question. Within moments, she was showing us a room filled with just about everything a parent of a young child could need. Nappies, wipes, clothes, toys, cots and pushchairs – if a family needs it, the chances are they have it.

The baby bank is a resource for the whole of East Yorkshire and the only one of its kind in the area. And if families can't make it to their base in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, partnerships with food banks in Driffield, Beverley and Goole help ensure support can reach people closer to home.

But the baby bank is just one of the many services this busy community group offers. There are weekly youth clubs, Box & Bake sessions for teenagers (yes, really!), walking groups, exercise sessions and a popular toddler group every Friday.

What Holme Family Connect provides is far more than practical support. They have created a welcoming community space where families can access activities, friendship, advice and, sometimes, simply a cup of tea and a listening ear.

Their ethos is simple: no one should feel alone.

At a time when we see families facing increasing pressures every day, the baby bank and the many other activities they provide are a reminder of the power of community, kindness and people helping one another.

17/06/2026

📣 Clean Air Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund is now open for applications

Established by Clean Air Renewables Ltd, this fund is for voluntary and community groups and small charitable organisations based in or serving Beverley, Cottingham, Hutton Cranswick, and communities within 2km of the proposed Clean Air Solar Farm sites.

Grants are available for work that strengthens health and wellbeing, improves quality of life for local residents, and responds to needs identified by local people. The fund also backs projects that build community spirit, create vibrant and sustainable places, or enhance the environmental sustainability of local wildlife and community assets.

⭐️ Funding available: Up to £1,500
📅 Expression of Interest deadline: Mon 3rd Aug 2026
👉 Learn more & apply: https://bit.ly/448IxvF

16/06/2026

Bec had a lovely, if a little soggy, trip to Hull last week, visiting the brilliant people at The Friends of Alderman Kneeshaw Park. Great to meet gardening, crafting, planning and baking volunteers and team members, all busy together working on making good things happen in the local community.

We are excited to be planting our community time capsule - the culmination of our 25th Anniversary year - down Poplar Walk in the park next month.

15/06/2026

Last week, while enjoying some well‑earned time off in beautiful Cornwall, our brilliant Comms Officer, Esther, couldn’t resist popping by the Royal Cornwall Show to say hello to our friends at Cornwall Community Foundation. She even managed to catch up with Tamas, Becky and Amy while she was there.

Being part of the UK Community Foundations network means we get to learn from each other, share ideas and celebrate the amazing work happening in communities right across the country. Every Community Foundation focuses on the needs of its own area, but we’re all driven by the same goal: helping people and businesses support the grassroots groups making a real difference every day.

If you’re based in Cornwall and want to back your local community, Cornwall Community Foundation would love to hear from you. And if you’re looking to make a difference closer to home in York and North Yorkshire, Hull or East Riding, we’re always happy to chat.

12/06/2026

🚨Rusholme Wind Farm Fund is open🚨

Multi-year funding of up to £15,000 available to community groups near Rusholme Wind Farm, Drax.

📌Community benefit projects
📌Energy efficient projects
📌General environmental projects

📅Closes: 3rd August 2026
👉 Learn more & apply: https://bit.ly/RusholmeFund