What we do
We are a charitable hub for the whole county – dedicated to helping to ensure that Worcestershire is a better place to live and work. We are passionate in supporting communities to not just survive but thrive. We champion local causes, raise funds and provide a voice for the voluntary and community sector. We are part of a network of 47 national place-based Community Foundations which provide invaluable support to communities all over the UK by raising and giving out substantial funds every year. Over the past 30 years, our network has given out grants of over £1 billion to causes that really need help.
See our short video highlighting some of the projects we supported in 2023.
Click here to view.
About WCF
We are an independent charity which strengthens local communities by providing funding for community-led projects throughout Worcestershire.
WCF was established in 2003 to help people and organisations give to essential causes where there is real need. We work with funders to deliver innovative funding programmes to charities and community groups.
Our knowledge of the sector means that we know where funding can make or break a community initiative; we like to make greater impact by supporting smaller, lesser known charities who often struggle to be financially sustainable, ensuring our awards create lasting change.
Our Impact
£ 2308100 +
Total grants
(2020/2023)
£ 808091
Total grants (2022/2023)
£ 4927
Average Grant size
164 +
Number of grants
(2022/2023)
We hold funds which give out grants to support areas of the county that really need help. We work with leading social impact organisations and delivery groups to target our funding and make maximum impact. We currently distribute funds which:
- Support isolated older people in rural areas
- Help young people become empowered and engaged with their local community
- Support women and girls in challenging circumstances who wish to regain control of their lives
- Help people facing mental health issues
- Support arts delivery and innovative cultural projects
- Support local sports clubs and organisations to empower people to become more active and improve their wellbeing
- Support positive initiatives to develop community cohesion or address early-stage crime prevention
- Support vulnerable families during economic crisis and provide vital supplies (including food & goods)
- Support work in areas of disability, poor health, abuse, homelessness, isolation, minority groups, poverty & fuel poverty, refugees, schools, veterans and volunteer networks.
Testimonials
Worcester Community Trust – Caitlin Parmar, The Dawn Project“Thank you for providing WCT with the opportunity to provide continuity and structure to this group which is benefiting many individuals within international communities of Worcestershire.”
Kate Cox, Director Worcester Paint Festival“Worcester Paint Festival is so thankful to WCF for the grant for our 2023 event. You enabled us to deliver a highly successful year of murals and the amazing exhibition ‘Paint the Streets about UK graffiti and street art history. This was visited by a very different demographic from across the UK and further, and received very positive feedback.”
Helen Gill, CEO The Monday Night ClubOur partnership with Worcestershire Community Foundation has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. Their unwavering support and guidance throughout the grant period have played a pivotal role in the success of our initiatives. WCF’s commitment to community development aligns seamlessly with our mission, fostering a collaborative and impactful relationship. Their responsiveness, transparent communication, and dedicated assistance have strengthened our organisational capacity. We commend WCF for their instrumental role in empowering communities, and we look forward to continued collaboration as we strive to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.”
Worcester Theatres – Inclusive Communities Fund grantee“We are proud to continue the work of Saucy, which not only provides high quality locally sourced LGBTQ+ talent for Worcester Theatre’s audiences but paid opportunities for queer artists. LGBTQ+ awareness is another aspect of the work, of which we are proud. The Awareness training will provide businesses and organisations with information on the LGBTQ+ community, legal obligations, diversity and equality. We hope that this will encourage community cohesion and tolerance.”
The Hub Bromsgrove – Sarah Mulhall, Manager“Thank you very much for this opportunity and also for the kindness you’ve treated us with when we’ve had issues. We’d like to say thank you for giving us the opportunity to include some of the older ones in this project as mentors to the younger members, this helped to solidify trust in our services, thank you for that.”
Our Partners
