Community foundation celebrates 25 years of impact
IMPROVING LIVES: Humber Community Action Services (HCAS) is supported by Two Ridings Foundation
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Two Ridings Community Foundation is celebrating 25 years of funding local charities and community groups across Hull, East Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire.
Its goal when it was formed back in 2000 was simple but powerful - help local people improve local lives.
Founded by former police chief constable David Kenworthy, the foundation began by bringing together individuals and businesses interested in supporting community groups and making a positive impact.
In 2010, it expanded into Hull and East Yorkshire, becoming Two Ridings Community Foundation to reflect its broader reach and impact.
Over the last 25 years, the foundation has awarded more than £23 million in grants to over 7,000 community organisations. These range from mental health support and food banks to youth work, community centres and emergency response during floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
SUPPORT: Youth Aspire Connect have benefited from the foundation
There have been many milestones along the way. In 2016, the foundation raised £1.5 million for people affected by the Christmas floods in York. By 2019, £10 million had been distributed across the region.
In 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Scarborough to meet local charities and take part in a youth roundtable discussion on the challenges facing young people.
In 2023, Celia McKeon joined as chief executive, bringing experience from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and a strong commitment to social change.
“This is more than a birthday. It is a milestone in a journey of collective impact,” she said. “We are proud of what has been achieved but we also know that the need for strong, supported communities is greater than ever.
“Our 25th year is a moment to say thank you but also to ask people to join us in funding the future.”
‘MORE THAN A BIRTHDAY’: Celia McKeon
To mark the anniversary, Two Ridings has launched a 25th Anniversary Appeal to raise £250,000. This will help the foundation support more charities and reach more people, with the aim of increasing the total grants awarded to £25 million.
A special celebratory event will take place at York Art Gallery on October 1, bringing together supporters, community leaders and partners.
Additionally, a time capsule will be filled with stories, messages and hopes from across the region, to be sealed in 2025 and opened in 2050.
Hull’s Youth Aspire Connect is one of the charities supported by the foundation. It is helping young people build vital digital skills, boosting their confidence and opening future opportunities.
One 16-year-old, newly arrived in the UK, had spent a year out of school and felt completely cut off. Since joining the programme, he has started volunteering, attending meetings and supporting others. He even joined a trip to Oxford University with 50 other young people.
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER: Outkast Panda Crew is another group that works with Two Ridings
“It was the first time I had left the house,” he said. “It inspired me to dream big and work harder.”
Bec Horner, head of communications and partnerships at Two Ridings, said: “Every donation starts a ripple. It might fund a youth group or a mental health session but the impact runs deeper, bringing people together, strengthening communities and building hope.
“For 25 years, we’ve seen that through Two Ridings. Now, we’re focused on growing that impact and helping more people shape their communities. That’s the power and legacy of giving.”
To find out more about our 25th Anniversary Appeal, visit https://tworidingscf.org.uk/25years/