2. Where did we come from?
The concept of Community Foundations started in America – Ohio 1914
Foundation Derbyshire (then Derbyshire Community Foundation) was set up in 1996 since then we have distributed £14.3 million to over 5,000 Derbyshire groups
There are 46 Community Foundations in the UK collectively they defray c.£65 million in grants each year. Collectively managing >2,500 funds.
A Community Foundation focuses on a specific geographical location

3. What do we do?
Aim to Improve the quality of community life in Derbyshire & tackle disadvantage
How?
By providing grants to community & voluntary sector groups striving to make a difference in their area.

4. Where does the money for grants come from?
We find people and businesses who care about Derbyshire and share our aims in improving Community life
We pool their donations to create an endowment fund
Grants are made from the interest generated on this Fund
Examples of donors
Companies such as Rolls Royce, Derbyshire Building Society, Thorntons
Families & individuals who feel a strong bond to the county and city and want to invest and create changes at a local level - rather than selecting national charities

5. Why we are unique Creating a permanent fund Locally Based Independent
No loss of funding for our County
Locally Based
We are uniquely placed to understand the needs of Derbyshire Groups and use local people to help make decisions on applications
Independent
Grants delivered by the Voluntary sector for the Voluntary sector
No government agendas - our work is driven by Derbyshire Groups

6. Funding Trends (from all Foundation types) across the UK
Grant-making through private, philanthropic sources (Foundations) is growing
Spending has risen by 11% this year
Top 300 gave out £4.1 billion
Top 50 corporate Foundations have increased grant making by 35%
Personal and family philanthropy grew by 20% this year accounting for 64%of all grant-making by the Top 300
For more visit

7. But what about Derbyshire?
We have far fewer private trusts and foundations within and for Derbyshire compared to many other areas in the U.K.
To benefit from the UK trend – need to be applying based on what you do rather than where you are? Strong competition from registered charities / less for micro charities and unincorporated groups
Foundation Derbyshire is working to overcome this, promoting the power of local philanthropy - spread the word!

8. Benefits to Groups
One simple generic application form – online or hardcopy
Choice and range of funds (around 20)
We match you so you don’t need to fret!
Supportive, clear processes
Understanding Derbyshire
Honest, open feedback

9. What you say
‘The continual support of the staff over the years helped to bolster my morale’
‘You make us feel that the work our organisation does is of real value
‘From my experience I have nothing but excellent things to say about the Foundation’
‘It is a pleasure working with the staff at the Foundation. I never feel uncomfortable about asking for opinions or advice’
‘Your strengths are being so open and available to give honest feedback’
‘National Funding has become increasingly bureaucratic and difficult to access. Please continue with your ‘easy to use’ transparent process’
Every year we do an anonoymous customer satisfaction survey to see how well things are going.

10. Most grants…
We are a small funder so most grants lie between £1,000 to £2,000
2) Capital (equipment), running costs & one off events / projects
3) Must be a constituted group with bank account, management committee
4) Have a year to spend if successful

11. Embrace Derbyshire Fund
Supports a broad range of small community and voluntary groups with a variety of different costs
Maximum grant of £2,000
Total project cost should not exceed £5,000
Type of Project costs funded
Capital (any items of equipment) although it is unlikely to fund building works
Revenue (any non-equipment costs) including ongoing running costs for a project or group
One off events and one-off projects
£500 for a community centre hosting youth activities to purchase new I.C.T. equipment to run the office
£149 to purchase new outdoor play vehicles for a parent & toddler group
£352 for publicity and insurance for a community festival
£400 to cover rental costs for a self-help group catering for individuals with various disabilities / mobility problems
£500 to cover the costs of landscaping a community garden

12. Freemasons of Derbyshire Grassroots Fund
Established by the Freemasons of Derbyshire Provincial Grand Charity to support community life and tackle disadvantage across the County
Main priority is to promote the advancement of health and well being and support the most vulnerable in our communities 
Grant focus on capital projects only
Examples of grants made:
£1,000 towards the cost of a disabled ramp for a community village hall
£950 towards the furnishing and decoration of a family room at a local hospice

13. The Walbrook Fund
To support community activity that directly helps those facing disadvantage
Can be for capital, revenue or one off projects or events
Grants £1-2K available
Groups working in geographical areas of HIGH disadvantage, where people are facing acute economic difficulties
Groups working with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities such as elderly isolated people, individuals with mental health problems or disability, or people facing homelessness.
Types of project funded:
Room rent for a stroke club so they can meet regularly
Office costs for a group dealing with gang related issues in Derby city.

14. Hall Family Fund Focus on rural areas and rural issues
Grants up to £2,000 available
Funds can be used for new projects, equipment and general running costs.
Types of project funded:
£1,500 for new tables and chairs at a homeless hostel
£1,500 contribution towards a Sunday Supper for the homeless

15. How to Apply Always contact the Foundation first
Chat to us about your project to see if there is a suitable fund
Have an idea of budget and timeframes
There are no fixed closing dates but we would advise submitting your application three months before the project takes place

16. Accessing Funds
Grants Team: