Dear Friends and Partners,
As the Chief Executive of the Heart of England Community Foundation, I’m incredibly proud to present our Yearbook for 2022-2023, offering a window into our work over the last year. This Yearbook is also a celebration of our key achievements, the support of our Board of Trustees, dedicated staff team, generous donors, and dedicated community changemakers, and it’s an honour to share it with you.
At the Heart of England Community Foundation, our mission has always been clear: to support local communities towards living happier, healthier lives. This mission is the driving force behind every grant we distribute, every partnership we develop, and every project we support.
Since we were founded in 1995, we’ve awarded over £35 million to more than 7,000 good causes across the region, a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting local communities in the West Midlands and Warwickshire. Through a diverse portfolio of funds, we’ve had the privilege of working with inspiring donors, who share our vision for a fair and thriving Midlands.
A Year of Challenges and Successes
The past year has posed challenges, from the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic to the emergence of the cost-of-living crisis. The need for our grant-making remains as vital as ever, and we are resolute in our commitment to providing quality funding to organisations that support local people in our region.
We’ve been proactive in exploring new opportunities to generate the funds necessary to support local groups and organisations. Our partnerships with local authorities have grown, allowing us to distribute funding they’ve made available. We’ve also strengthened relationships with private sector donors and individuals, extending our reach and impact.
Additionally, we’re focused on developing our own funds, ensuring that the income generated can be reinvested year after year to support our communities. Our dedication to making a lasting difference remains at the core of our mission.
Read our 2022/23 YearbookThe Impact We’ve Made
This year, we distributed over £2.5 million through over 1,700 awards, addressing key issues such as poverty, mental health, and community development. We have continued to make a real difference to local people, and we’re committed to doing even more in the years to come.
Headlines From Our Year
- We awarded over £2.5 million to good causes across the Midlands
- We made over 1,700 awards in the last twelve months
- Over 400,000 people are set to benefit from our grants
- We managed 67 funds on behalf of donors
- Our average grant was worth £3,786
- 82% of our funding was awarded through open programmes
- 15% of our grants supported first-time applicants
Looking Ahead
As we approach the end of our current three-year strategy, we’re taking time to reflect, learn from our challenges and successes, and prepare for the launch of a new strategy in 2024. What will never change is our unwavering support for the voluntary and community sector and our commitment to attracting philanthropists who care about our region as much as we do.
Join Us in Creating Lasting Change
Our Yearbook is a testament to the power of generosity and community. It’s a celebration of the past and a promise for the future. We invite you to explore our Yearbook, read the inspiring stories, and consider joining us in creating lasting change in our communities. Together, we can make the West Midlands and Warwickshire even happier, healthier, and more vibrant. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Warm regards, Tina Costello, Chief Executive
Read our 2022/23 Yearbook