Charity’s record-breaking year of giving tops £2m

Member News

A regional charity which awards grants to help communities in South Yorkshire to thrive is celebrating a record-breaking year of giving.
 
In its last financial year, South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) distributed £2.1 million to voluntary and community groups across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
 
In the reporting period, the Foundation supported 669,317 people with an overall grant application success rate of 79.2 per cent.
 
This record-breaking year brings the Foundation’s 40-year impact to a total of £40 million in grant funding awarded to a diverse range of vital causes, projects and communities.
 
Martin Singer, chief executive of SYCF, said: “For 40 years, South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation has stood alongside local communities. And we’re incredibly proud this past year has been one of our most impactful yet.
 
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we’ve been able to distribute more than £2 million in funding in just 12 months - reaching communities in every corner of South Yorkshire. That funding has gone directly to grassroots organisations, the people who know their communities best and are there when it matters most.
 
“None of this happens without our donors and partners and we are so grateful to them for supporting us to make change happen in South Yorkshire.
 
“Local generosity means local impact. Our donors and partners genuinely care about their communities, and we’re helping turn that generosity into real, practical support for grassroots groups.”
 
Grant funding was used to support a range of projects which improve physical and mental health, wellbeing and safety, life skills, education, employability and enterprise and those which transform access and engagement with the environment and public spaces.
 
Doncaster CIC Fashion Fusion runs accessible workshops in sustainable fashion funded by SYCF.
 
Founder Estelle Pearce said: “Thank you so much to South Yorkshire's Community Foundation because you initially got us off the ground with our Fashion Fix workshops, but also for the support you continue to provide through regular opportunities to apply for funding, as well as training and funding advice through SYFAB.
 
“It's not just about coming in and learning to sew, it's a space where people feel comfortable to share personal experiences and talk about their well-being. With the funding from SYCF, I was able to buy some really robust sewing machines and some essential equipment that enabled me to get the Fashion Fix workshops off the ground.”
 
Martin added: “We’re so proud to be able announce this significant grant-making figure in what is a milestone year for SYCF. Our 40th anniversary isn’t just about celebrating what we’ve achieved. It’s about continuing to invest in South Yorkshire’s future together.
 
“As we look ahead, we’re inviting more people to be part of this journey.
 
“By supporting us, you’re investing in local communities, supporting them to thrive and make South Yorkshire a better place for everyone.”
 
For more information or to start a giving journey with SYCF, visit www.sycf.org.uk.

Charity’s record-breaking year of giving tops £2m