Derbyshire Community Foundation was established in 1996, to build an endowment fund to benefit Derbyshire people in perpetuity. Each year this fund provides a growing cash sum, which the Foundation distributes in grants to groups working to tackle disadvantage, build stronger communities and enhance the quality of life in the county. The Foundation also distributes a portfolio of funds across Derbyshire on behalf of local, regional and national government agencies and individuals, through a variety of grant making programmes.

The Foundation’s county wide reach helps them to identify suitable recipients and enables donors to direct their funds effectively, creatively and in a way that reflects their individual interests, circumstances and desired level of involvement.

As a result of the commitment and generosity of the Foundation’s donors and funders, the organisation has become one of the county’s leading charities. They have built an endowment that is now worth almost £6 million and have distributed over £9 million of grants across Derbyshire, enabling community groups to undertake all kinds of vital work in Derbyshire. Their versatility and knowledge of the county has enabled them to help their donors support a truly diverse range of activities, from establishing a fine art award to funding allotment associations, football team strips, brass bands, a community post office and luncheon clubs. By making grants creatively for their donors and other funders, they aim to create a bridge between people who care about the local community and the wide range of groups and individuals that can benefit from their help.

Types of Services:

Many of Derbyshire’s needs are hidden from view and vital work in the community is being undertaken by voluntary and community groups. By offering advice, support and a simple application process, the Foundation provide groups with access to vital funds and ensures that their funding reaches the communities that really need their help. The Foundation’s versatility means that it is able to assist a wide range of causes, including children, older people, sport, arts and culture, rural and urban issues, the environment and community development.

Derbyshire Community Foundation offers a range of tailor-made services to help donors channel their charitable giving in a tax efficient way, back in to Derbyshire. Foundation donors range from businesses looking to develop stronger links with their local communities, and meet their corporate social responsibility agendas, to individuals wanting to direct their charitable giving to local issues that are important to them.

Whether donors choose to establish an endowment fund with the Foundation, or donate on a "flow through” basis, a tailor made service ensures that their individual requirements (from the particular groups or activities that Donors would like to support, to their desired level of involvement) are met.

7 FTE paid staff. 44 members. 2600 organisations as contacts.