SYCF's record-breaking year of giving tops £2m

For 40 years, South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation has stood alongside local communities. And we’re incredibly proud this past year has been one of our most impactful yet.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we’ve been able to distribute more than £2 million in funding in just 12 months - reaching communities in every corner of South Yorkshire. That funding has gone directly to grassroots organisations, the people who know their communities best and are there when it matters most.

None of this happens without our donors and partners and we are so grateful to them for supporting us to make change happen in South Yorkshire.

Local generosity means local impact. Our donors and partners genuinely care about their communities, and we’re helping turn that generosity into real, practical support for grassroots groups.

Martin Singer, chief executive, SYCF

 

Grant funding was used to support a range of projects which improve physical and mental health, wellbeing and safety, life skills, education, employability and enterprise and those which transform access and engagement with the environment and public spaces.

Our message to the funders is ‘thank you’.  The grant has really helped us to offer a variety of different activities and experiences to the young people which makes a huge difference to their lives.

Victoria Agnew, Jolly Good Communities

 

It's not just about coming in and learning to sew, it's a space where people feel comfortable to share personal experiences and talk about their well-being. With the funding from SYCF, I was able to buy some really robust sewing machines and some essential equipment that enabled me to get the Fashion Fix workshops off the ground.

Founder Estelle Pearce

 

In Rotherham, Lost Chord runs musical sessions for people with dementia, funded by SYCF. 

The money from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation means everything to us. It enabled us to reach 1,000 people in Rotherham supporting those with dementia and their families and communities that care for them.

If we hadn't had the support it's quite scary to think what would have happened. I'd like everyone at SYCF to know that they've made a huge difference. They so many families who are struggling socially. Some people don't leave their houses, but this funding helps them connect with humans, it means they have something to get dressed up for and something to leave the house for. They might not be coping making a coffee in the kitchen, but they can come here and sing and connect with others. That's what's really important.

CEO Jean Collingwood 

 

DESA (Darnall Education and Sports Academy), was awarded SYCF funding to deliver sports groups and activity sessions for young people Darnall, Sheffield.

The money from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation was pivotal in enabling us to reach a wider cohort of people.

Without the funding, what happens is that we have to charge participants 50p to £1 more which ultimately has a knock-on effect and causes people to become disengaged because they can't afford it and they put additional barriers in place.

I'd like to say thank you to all the donors and supporters of SYCF for their belief in DESA’s mission and hopefully we can continue to establish something amazing together.

Kamran Din, director at DESA

 

 

We’re so proud to be able announce this significant grant-making figure in what is a milestone year for SYCF. Our 40th anniversary isn’t just about celebrating what we’ve achieved. It’s about continuing to invest in South Yorkshire’s future together.

As we look ahead, we’re inviting more people to be part of this journey.

By supporting us, you’re investing in local communities, supporting them to thrive and make South Yorkshire a better place for everyone.

Martin Singer