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 (UKCF) which provide invaluable support to communities all over the UK by raising and giving out substantial funds every year. In the last 50 years, community foundations in UKCF’s network have collectively distributed just over £2.1 billion to grassroots projects and initiatives across the UK and Jersey.
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
£ 2500000 +
Total grants
(2020-Jan 2025)
£ 617539
Total grants
(Apr 2023-Jan 2025)
£ 6640
Average Grant size
93 +
Number of grants
(Apr 2023-Jan 2025)
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
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.”
Sandycroft – Lee Olivia McKenzie, CEOAs usual the level of support we have received has always been supportive and helpful, We feel that every effort is made to help organisations with advice and guidance. WCF has been very accessible and gives you the time to feel heard and encouraged.
Our Way Self Advocacy – Cat Bennett, ManagerWe have found WCF to be very helpful and responsive to our queries. Our members have got a lot out of the project and we have already seen changes in people’s openness to Hate and Mate Crime. This project has supported the building and maintaining of partnerships with both the Police and Victim Support.
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.”
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”.
Our Partners
