Applying for funding from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) is set to become even easier, thanks to a new and improved grants management system launching this month.

The upgraded Salesforce platform, being introduced mid-October, will offer a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for individuals and community groups.

Our team will be on hand to provide advice and answer questions about the new software.

Benefits of the upgrade include simplified application forms with clearer guidance, faster communication and real-time updates on application status, improved accessibility and greater transparency.

To support with the change over, we’ve organised a series of Microsoft Teams drop-in sessions from Thursday 29th October until Thursday 18th December 2025.

Our Grants Team will be on hand to guide you through the new system, answer questions and ensure your group feels supported every step of the way.

Tuesdays 9.30am – 10.30am

Join SYCF salesforce support session

Wednesdays 4pm – 5pm

Join SYCF salesforce support session

Thursdays 1pm – 2pm

Join SYCF salesforce support session

Jess O’Neill, Grants and Partnerships Manager for SYCF, said:

We’re really excited about the launch of this fantastic new Salesforce software which will simplify the grants process - from application and communication stages to award and follow-up.

It reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to innovation, accountability and community impact, ensuring our funding reaches those who need it most, quickly and efficiently.

As with any change, we appreciate there might be some short-term challenges as groups familiarise themselves with the new system, so our team will be on hand to support and help people get started.

 

For more information, email our grants team at grants@sycf.org.uk.

Meet Jess

Jess works Tuesdays - Fridays every week and oversees all of the grant programmes, so is able to help with specific and general queries about our programmes, our application systems and processes.

She also oversees our panels and our many volunteers that lead on our decision making for many of our funds.

Jess holds a weekly Teams drop-in sessions as an opportunity to chat to groups about any questions they may have, or assistance with our application system. These are held most Wednesdays 4pm - 5pm. The link to these meetings can be found on our Apply page.

Jess O'Neill

Grants and Partnerships Manager

0114 242 4857

JOneill@sycf.org.uk

Jess O'Neill