More than 60 community groups and local charities across the region are sharing a £255,000 cash boost designed to improve lives and tackle poverty. The funding, distributed by EN:Communities, has been awarded to 62 successful projects after a highly competitive process that saw 275 applications totalling £1.3 million.
Funding Details and Allocation
Grants range from £299 to £15,320, enabling organisations to purchase essential items such as kitchen equipment, sports gear, and computer technology. The fund was established to mark 10 years of support from the housing consortium’s charitable arm, with the aim of strengthening local communities and helping those facing poverty.
Ken Taylor, chair of EN:Communities, said: "The fund has received an incredible response, with demand far exceeding the funding available. We are grateful for the level of interest from local organisations working hard to support their communities." Over the past decade, the charity has awarded £1.4 million to small causes, helping nearly 1,800 people into work.
Impact on Disability Support
Among the beneficiaries is Paces Sheffield, a specialist centre and charity supporting children and adults with cerebral palsy and motor disorders. The organisation received £3,972 to purchase and install an integrated overhead ceiling hoist in one of its specialist classrooms, creating a more accessible learning environment.
Tom Lane, head of operations at Paces Sheffield, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation Fund for this support. The new ceiling hoist will improve pupils’ dignity and independence, create more space for learning and social interaction, and help our staff provide the best possible support. As a charity, funding like this is invaluable in enabling us to invest in specialist equipment that has a lasting impact on the children and families who rely on our services."
Supporting Women into Employment
Another grant recipient is Smart Works Leeds, an organisation that provides coaching, clothing, and confidence-building to unemployed women preparing for job interviews. The centre manager, Emily Zadok, explained that the £2,348 award will help create a more welcoming and functional space as they settle into a new facility that is double the size of their previous location.
"Receiving £2,348 from the Community Foundation Fund means a huge amount to us, particularly as we settle into our new centre," Zadok said. "This support will allow us to invest in essential equipment, from technology that will help us expand our virtual services to practical items such as steamers to prepare donated workwear for clients ahead of interviews and job starts. Every improvement helps us spend more time doing what matters most: providing women with the coaching, clothing, and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace."
Community Response and Future Outlook
The evaluation panel faced a difficult task whittling down 275 applications, which Taylor described as revealing "the scale of demand for financing local groups and charities to tackle poverty and help people and families to live healthier lives through practical and supportive projects." He added: "It highlights the challenges our communities face and the determination of groups passionate about delivering lasting change for them. We’re proud to be supporting this work after a decade of seeing the difference that can be made when resources are available."
Groups that were not selected received detailed feedback to help them apply for future funding. Taylor noted: "It has been a valuable learning opportunity for us and reinforces our commitment to supporting these groups and building stronger relationships." The full list of winning applications is available on the EN:Communities website.
