Leeds Community Foundation Invests Over £1.5 Million in Local Groups

Significant funding awarded to support community organisations across Leeds

In 2025, Leeds Community Foundation allocated more than £1.5 million to local community organisations through its flagship initiative, The Leeds Fund. This funding aims to help groups address pressing challenges in the city, including the rising cost of living, social isolation, and climate change.

About The Leeds Fund

The Leeds Fund provides grants to community organisations working to improve the daily lives of people across Leeds. These grants support a wide range of activities, from cultural programmes such as theatre and dance classes to initiatives tackling health inequalities and loneliness. The funding covers both the delivery of services and organisational development, enabling groups to plan for sustainable futures.

One recipient, Duncan from Humans Being, a Community Interest Company, described the impact of the grant: “In my experience of 24 years of grants and organisational management, I’ve never encountered a grant that has more of an impact. It’s had a transformative effect on our organisation – it’s brought in more funding, allowed us to benefit more vulnerable people, to build our community and leave us in a much stronger position to face the future.”

Details of the 2025 Funding Round

During the latest round, 30 organisations received two-year grants of £50,000 each. This brings the total amount distributed through The Leeds Fund since its launch in 2016 to nearly £4.5 million.

The grants support a mixture of project delivery and organisational development, including leadership and governance, financial sustainability, workforce development, and strategic planning. Additionally, organisations could apply for extra funding to address climate change and cover training and development costs, reflecting feedback from community groups.

Organisations Funded in 2025

• Aire Place Studios
• Association of Blind Asians
• Battle Scars
• Black Health Initiative
• Brave Words CIC
• Dance Action Zone Leeds
• Feel Good Factor
• Gateway Church
• Getaway Girls
• Getting Clean CIC
• Give A Gift
• Heads Together Productions/Chapel FM Arts Centre
• Home-Start Leeds
• Hyde Park Source
• IMPACT North Ltd
• Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store
• Leeds Centre for Integrated Living (Leeds CIL)
• Left Bank Leeds
• Let’s Do More CIO
• Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
• Otley Action for Older People
• Reestablish
• Shantona Women and Family Centre
• Simon on the Streets
• St Luke’s Cares
• St. Paul’s, Ireland Wood
• Sustainable Arts in Leeds CIC
• Transform Theatre Projects
• Women’s Counselling and Therapy
• Yorkshire Dance

Funding Model and Donor Involvement

The Leeds Fund pools donations from businesses and individuals to maximise collective impact. Contributions of all sizes are combined to support community organisations across Leeds. This approach allows donors to address a variety of local challenges, including health and wellbeing, education, and inequality.

Long-term supporters highlight the Foundation’s experience and impact. Journey Further, a longstanding donor, noted that Leeds Community Foundation has distributed over £70 million in 20 years, demonstrating its expertise in making donations effective for the community.

Businesses and individuals interested in contributing to The Leeds Fund can contact the Foundation’s team via email at info@leedscf.org.uk.

Source: Leeds Community Foundation – Foundation makes major community investment through The Leeds Fund