Doncaster charity wins community award

Community groups, supporters and dignitaries from across the region came together to celebrate four decades of local giving and community impact at a special anniversary awards event hosted by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).
 
Edlington Community Organisation won the Doncaster Community Impact Award, presented by Allan Wilshere, Service Director of Policy, Economic Development & Environmental Sustainability, Doncaster Council with Active Fusion Highly Commended.
 
Around 130 guests attended the SYCF Community Celebration at Victoria in Sheffield, including Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire.
 
SYCF is South Yorkshire’s largest local grant-giving charity. Since being established in 1986, the Foundation has distributed more than £40 million in funding to thousands of grassroots organisations and charities across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
Over the last 40 years, SYCF has supported projects tackling poverty, isolation and disadvantage, while helping communities create opportunities for people of all ages to thrive.
The event, hosted by Andy Kershaw, Training Manager for South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau (SYFAB), which is part of SYCF, included four regional Community Impact Awards recognising organisations making a lasting difference in their local areas.
 
Powered almost entirely by volunteers, Edlington Community Organisation (ECO) has become a lifeline for thousands of people in Doncaster through affordable food provision, community activities and innovative support programmes tackling loneliness, poverty and wellbeing.
 
Samantha Sidall MBE, Manager of Edlington Community Organisation (ECO), said: “This award means everything to us. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, staff and wider community who make ECO what it is. To be recognised in this way during SYCF’s 40th anniversary celebrations is incredibly special.”
 
Allan Wilshere, Service Director of Policy, Economic Development & Environmental Sustainability, Doncaster Council, said: “What a fantastic event. I was privileged to be the person representing the Council to give out the Doncaster Impact award and see some fantastic organisations doing fantastic work.
 
“A 40th birthday is a good opportunity to reflect back and think about the future and what you can do to help the Foundation and volunteering across South Yorkshire.”
 
Other award winners were:
  • The Exodus Project – Barnsley Community Impact Award, presented by Anna Hartley, director of public health, Barnsley Council. Highly commended: Barnsley FC Community Trust.
  • Cortonwood Comeback – Rotherham Community Impact Award, presented by John Edwards, CEO, Rotherham Council. Highly commended: Harthill Tea and Day Social Club.
  • Family Voice and Ammi’s Kitchen – Sheffield Community Impact Award, presented by Kate Josephs, CEO Sheffield Council. Highly commended: Sheffield Mencap and Gateway.
Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, who is also President of SYCF, said: “South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation has been the cornerstone of voluntary organisations across our county, and it's overseen four decades of huge investment in grassroots charities.
 
“To have awarded £40 million since 1986 is an incredible achievement and demonstrates the extraordinary generosity, passion and commitment that exists across South Yorkshire.
 
“The organisations recognised during this celebration represent the very best of our communities. Their dedication, compassion and determination continue to change lives every single day.”
 
Martin Singer, Chief Executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said: "This celebration was about recognising the incredible people and organisations who work tirelessly to strengthen communities across South Yorkshire every single day.
 
“For 40 years, SYCF has proudly supported grassroots groups changing lives in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, and this event was an opportunity to reflect on the enormous impact local giving can have.

“What makes South Yorkshire special is the kindness and determination of its communities. We are incredibly proud to have worked alongside so many inspiring organisations and individuals over the past four decades.

“As we look to the future, our ambition remains the same. We are committed to ensuring communities across South Yorkshire continue to receive the support and investment they need to thrive for generations to come.”

The prestigious celebration is one of several events and activities SYCF is hosting throughout 2026 to mark its 40th anniversary year.

For more information or to begin a giving journey with SYCF, visit www.sycf.org.uk.

Doncaster charity wins community award