"Friends of the Foundation is a giving circle that creates a way for individuals and businesses to make a difference locally."

Becoming a Friend of the Foundation is easy; anyone who sets up a standing order has the option of becoming a Friend of the Foundation. We pool all of our Friends donations together to create a large funding pot with the Friends Grants Panel deciding which groups and projects they wish to support.

With the support of staff at the Foundation, Friends are advised on the varying needs within the County, ensuring that their funds are directed to help those who are facing the greatest challenges in our communities.  

Once a year, Friends are invited to attend a dedicated grants panel, where groups and projects can pitch their ideas,  and can see the difference their donations have made through project visits and attendance at our acclaimed Annual Awards Ceremony. 

How it works

Friends of the Foundation Grants Panel

Friends are invited to attend a yearly grants panel based on a chosen theme and community group pitch their project ideas to the panel. After several short presentations, the panel are given the opportunity to ask questions and decide which projects they'd like to fund. 

The successful group(s) are then visited six months later, enabling Friends to see the difference their donation has made. 

We make your donation go further.

When you make your donation, we split it three ways;

• Today - 50% of your donation is used immediately to support local need.
• Tomorrow - 50% of your donation is invested into the Friends of the Foundation endowment fund, so we can make grants long into the future.
• Our development – Your gift aid and corporate support contributes towards the Foundation’s own charitable purposes.

For more information please contact our Head of Giving and Development, Dean Jones.