York Central Encourages York Community Fund Applications

The strategic development partners behind the York Central project are encouraging local charities, organisation and good causes to come forward to be part of the next round of funding from the York Community Fund.

Run by York-based Two Ridings Community Foundation, the fund has already distributed £145,307 to 30 local groups.  It was launched in 2024 and has been created to improve the wellbeing of people who live, work and study in York.   

Established with a £100,000 donation from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), and a £150,000 commitment from York Central Ltd, to be distributed over three years, the Fund has since grown with a number of contributions from local businesses, donors, and community partners.

Applications for the next round of the York Community Fund will open in Summer 2025, with at least £200,000 available for distribution.

McLaren Regeneration and Arlington Real Estate, the strategic development partners delivering the new world-class city quarter development York Central, support the fund because it aligns with their core principles of people, planet, place, prosperity and partnerships.  

Tom Gilman, Managing Director of McLaren Regeneration, added: “We are proud to support the community fund and it’s excellent that so many great local causes have already benefited from this initiative.  We look forward to working with Two Ridings in the future to deliver even more benefits for great organisations and projects in York.  We would encourage any local organisations to get involved in the next round.”

Organisations who have benefited from the York Community Fund so far include:

• Lollipop Organising social activities for deaf children and families.
• Next Door But One Using theatre to support mental health and LGBTQ+ youth.
• St. James the Deacon Parish Church Provides warm spaces and food support.
• Generate Supporting gender-diverse individuals through outreach and advocacy.
• Shared Story CIC Bringing together people with long-term conditions through storytelling.
• Sing & Sign Maestros Expanding its group to include younger participants with additional needs.
• Toolbox Drama Providing Makaton classes and creating a Signing Collective.
• Accessible Arts & Media Running movers and shakers sessions for adults with complex learning and physical disabilities.
• Lived Insights from Experience (LIFE) Training community reporters to influence policy and challenge misconceptions, driving community-driven change.
• Good Organisation (Social Ventures) CIC Supports the York Residents Tourism Assembly by coordinating staff and volunteers for enhanced local tourism.
• Move the Masses Helping vulnerable individuals stay active and socially engaged through their Move Mates programme.
• Musical Connections Coordinating a community music outreach project.
• Older Citizens Advocacy York Supporting older people through advice and essential operational services.
• Clements Hall Trust Covers core costs for the hall that hosts over 50 community organisations in a welcoming space.
• Welfare Benefits Unit Providing specialist advice to tackle food and fuel poverty by ensuring people can access and claim their benefit entitlements.
• Panda Playgroup Ensuring playgroup sessions in Copmanthorpe remain affordable, supporting families and community engagement.
• York LGBT Forum Expanding LGBTQ+ events, warm hubs, and safe meeting spaces to support people with their wellbeing.
• York Women’s Counselling Service Introducing a specialised EMDR service for women experiencing PTSD.
• Big Futures Foundation Raising aspirations for disadvantaged kids, providing direct support in schools and communities to inspire change.
• Night Light Theatre CIC Creating a theatre project for individuals affected by homelessness, empowering them through the arts.

For more information on how to apply when the next round opens, visit the Two Ridings Community Foundation website – York Community Fund – Two Ridings Community Foundation.