Organisation which helps community groups in Yorkshire reports 70% gap between demand and available funds

Between January and October 2023, the foundation was able to award just 30 per cent of grants that were applied for after it saw a sharp rise in requests for funding. The group said it had received over 700 different grant applications to date this year.

This came against a backdrop of what the foundation described as “diminishing philanthropic appetite, fundraising activities and statutory funding”.

The news comes after In December of last year, the group said it had seen demand more than double for its services.

Kate Hainsworth, CEO of Leeds Community Foundation, said it was “extremely difficult” knowing that demand was outstripping availability of funds.

She added: “We have this year been inundated with a much higher rate of grant applications for different programmes. Demand always has peaks and troughs, but we have noticed how particularly anxious groups are this year to secure crucial core funds.

“When we’re unable to help, we work closely with the community organisations to signpost to other appropriate funding sources, but we will always go above and beyond to help community groups.

“But the really worrying thing is that because of societal issues and cost pressures, people and organisations are running out of options and don’t know where to turn.”

The foundation is now calling for further help from businesses and individuals.

Ms Hainsworth encouraged those able to give directly to The Leeds Fund, which gives money to community and voluntary groups which support people with skills, education, housing and employment. The fund has channelled £3 million into community groups to date.

Over the course of its five-year strategic plan starting in 2019, Leeds Community Foundation has distributed over £19 million to Leeds and Bradford charitable and voluntary groups; supporting in excess of 300,000 people living in some of the region’s most deprived areas.

Cleveland Henry, chair of Leeds Community Foundation, said: “Leeds Community Foundation has helped so many people but the demand is still outstripping supply; whenever I’m involved in a grant application meeting it’s frightening just how many people need our help.”