New funding from Anchor Butter to strengthen community connections

UK Community Foundations (UKCF), in partnership with Anchor Butter, has launched its third year of the Anchor Community Connection Fund.

This year’s funding round will focus on London and the regions of Leicestershire and Rutland.  The London Community Foundation and Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation will oversee the distribution of £50,000 in grants to local organisations dedicated to bringing communities together through food.

Reports from community-led groups, previously funded by the Anchor Community Connection Fund in the last two years, confirm that individuals and families have gained a lot more than companionship at these local services.

The value of connection

In addition to arranging social activities, serving hot meals and sharing skills with others, volunteers have provided vital support such as companionship, guidance, counselling and nutritional advice. 

Feedback from groups reveals that the inclusive spaces have enabled participants to build essential social networks that have resulted in their improved confidence and wellbeing.

One group participant recently told UKCF:  “It made me want to leave my home and it raised me out of the deep depression I was in.” 

Another participant said: "It’s warm and welcome and feels like family.  Everyone is treated with respect and no one is judged."

When asked why they joined their local community group, one participant told UKCF they wanted "to make new friends and get involved in the community.  I live alone and it can become very isolating.  I miss it when it isn't open." 

Another told us: "Originally my children attended.  It's a great way to meet new people.  I recently started attending myself as I'm suffering with grief and illness."

UK-based research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport show that building community connection improves mental health, reduces loneliness and enhances overall wellbeing, underlining the critical role of local groups and volunteers. 

Working with Anchor

Since its inception in 2021, the Anchor Community Connection Fund has invested £250,000 into local projects that foster community connection through food.

Talking about the fund's flexibility, one volunteer said:  “It gives everybody a sense of confidence and freedom to focus on what truly matters – be it emergency assistance, supplies or programmes.”

In 2022, £100,000 was distributed to 24 organisations across Wiltshire, Leeds and Buckinghamshire, funding a range of activities including cookery classes, hot meal provision and environmental awareness initiatives.  In the following year, the fund extended £100,000 to communities in Devon, Lancashire, Merseyside, and Northamptonshire, supporting 28 organisations through local community foundations. 

Our new Chief Executive, Emma de Closset, highlighted the trust-based approach of the programme: “The partnership between Anchor and UKCF reflects our joint commitment to doing good across the country, together.  We have a shared dedication to enabling meaningful community connections and providing essential support to those in need.

“Flexibility, openness to learning and respect for local decision making have been instrumental in enabling these vital projects. We particularly thank Anchor for empowering local organisations through flexible funding.”

Anchor is the number one British produced butter brand and is owned by Arla Foods, the UK’s biggest dairy company. As a cooperative of around 2,000 farmer owners in the UK, all of Arla’s profits go back to the farmer owners.

Amy Punchard, Anchor Brand Manager, commented:

“As the nation’s favourite British produced butter, Anchor knows that food has the power to connect communities, which is why we’re continuing to support UK Community Foundations throughout 2025.

“Food has always been at the heart of community life in Britain and cooking and enjoying food should be accessible for everyone.  Through the partnership, we aim to continue to spread a bit of food positivity in neighbourhoods across the nation.”

Learn more about support being provided in Leicestershire, Rutland and London by visiting:

The London Community Foundation

Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation 

Please note that we do not fund groups directly at UKCF