The national voice for local communities

We are the membership organisation for quality accredited community foundations around the UK.

Our members bring together people and organisations wanting to make a positive difference to communities through place-based philanthropy. Collectively, our network has a presence in every location of the UK. 

accredited community foundations in the UK

£m+

distributed in 2023

k+

grants awarded in 2023

international accredited community foundations

Lady crouching down surrounded by food trays in car park

Our vision, purpose and mission

UKCF's vision is for every community across the UK to have access to an agile community foundation focused on identifying local need and helping communities to thrive.

This support is provided through vibrant local philanthropy, sustainable charitable funding and local partnerships.

At UKCF, we support the community foundations network and the vital work they do with grassroots organisations.

Our mission is to provide inspirational leadership and advocacy at a national level. We deliver training, resources and a national profile to enhance and sustain the support of local communities.

We also work with partners to distribute large national programmes that can filter through multiple community foundations at a time, delivering widescale philanthropy at a local level.

 

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What is a community foundation?

A community foundation connects philanthropic people with local causes that matter to them. It’s a charitable organisation focused on supporting a defined geographical area by building endowments and generating funds to support community needs and local organisations making a difference.

Community foundations offer a variety of grant-making programmes funded by donations from individuals, families, businesses as well as grants from local authorities and the Government.

Two women sitting talking with one looking at the camera4Wings, supported by the Community Foundation for Merseyside
Mix of people siting and standing drinking coffeeThe Rural Coffee Caravan, supported by Suffolk Community Foundation

Strengthening communities

Place-based funding is the common thread that unites our 47 community foundations. Our members are embedded in their place, understand the challenges their diverse communities face and work tirelessly for better opportunities for all.

They pursue long-term change for their communities by identifying the local context, collaborating with others, applying multiple interventions, and constantly learning from and adapting to new circumstances.

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Our network

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Working for UKCF

Make a difference and become part of the UKCF team. Learn more

Disaster Response

Community foundations are there for communities in times of disaster. Learn more

Sharing our data

We are publishing our data on 360Giving in our commitment to sharing transparent data. Learn more

Key Partners

We are pleased to work closely with the following organisations