Frequently Asked Questions
What is the community Foundation?
A registered charitable trust established to inspire local giving by businesses, individuals, trusts and government, and to distribute funds to local voluntary and community groups across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.When was the South Yorkshire Community Foundation formed?
Launched in 1986 by the Princess Royal.Why support the South Yorkshire Community Foundation?
With the closure of the region's coalfields in the 1980s and gradual decline of local steel jobs, the number of people facing hardship in South Yorkshire grew to nationally significant levels. Many families and their communities are still facing barriers.What is the Purpose of the Community Foundation?
- To link people who care with causes that matter
- To transform the lives of people facing hardship and other barriers by awarding grants to local groups across the region.
- Making communities across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield better places in which to live and work.
What is your affiliation?
There are more than 60 Community Foundation across the UK. We are each members of an association, known as the Community Foundation Network.What sort of initiatives do you support?
SYCF prioritises funding for initiatives located in or serving communities in need.
Sample grant areas - Sport, arts, music, dance, drama, nature, environment, self-help initiatives, training & skills, and quality communities.
Sample recipient groups - Homeless, disabled, learning impaired, children & young people, elderly and others.
Please enquire if you wish to contribute to a purpose not yet featured.What level of funding is provided?
During the last fiscal year, we distributed hundreds of grants totalling £2.1 million. The typical size of grants we offer ranges from £250-£7,500.What is the Community Appeal?
The South Yorkshire Community Foundation is committed to generating £2.5 million in private sector support over the coming few years. While government grants offer one-off support to grass-roots groups, the ongoing ability of these groups to help local people day by day can only be ensured with contributions by individuals, business and trusts.How can I help the work of the South Yorkshire Community Foundation?
- Become a volunteer grants assessor or committee member
- Make a commitment through your will
- Contribute a cheque payable to the South Yorkshire Community Foundation
- Encourage your Business or Trust to contribute
- Establish a named fund
Does the Community Foundation manage the Community Fund?
No, the Community Fund is a national government initiative to which applicants can apply directly (see links)