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 latest news on BBC Midlands Today
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See our short video highlighting some of the projects we supported in 2023.
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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
Mrs Reeves-Walters Executive Head Teacher at Far Forest Primary School“We are thrilled that our pupils have had the opportunity to create a stunning piece of artwork supported by the ‘Let’s Create Jubilee Fund’ to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee. This will remain in our school for many years to come. The PTA have been instrumental in ensuring our children have this experience to develop their skills and work together. It now takes pride of place in our School.”
Chairman, Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra“Your charity’s grant monies acted as a wonderful foundation of trust on which we built an event that was totally unforgettable.”
Jo-Anna Hine Malvern Cube Projects“I have found all aspects of dealing with Worcestershire Community Foundation to be extremely positive. The team are responsive and supportive, and we really value the difference that your funding has been able to make to the young people who benefit from our charity. The application and reporting process are robust but accessible and the communication from your team is excellent. Thank you for supporting us in this project”.
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.”
PCC Secretary St Mary’s Pickersleigh“Support from the WCF Communities in Crisis Grant has meant that St Mary’s has been able to continue its work in the local Community in 2023 without worrying about how to find the increased money for the fuel bills both at the beginning of the year and as we head towards the winter months again. As a church community made up completely of volunteers, we feel well supported.”
Our Partners
