Heart of Yorkshire Fund for Community Projects (UK)

The Heart of Yorkshire Fund provides grants to charities and community organisations serving the former Selby district to support projects improving health, wellbeing, education, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. Eligible organisations can apply for up to £10,000 per year for two years, with funding supporting both community activities and sustainable local initiatives.

About the Heart of Yorkshire Fund

The Heart of Yorkshire Fund is a community grant programme created to support charitable organisations and local community groups in the former Selby district, England.

The fund was established by Selby District Council through a £2 million endowment managed with Two Ridings Community Foundation.

The purpose of the fund is to create a long-term community legacy by using annual investment income to support projects that improve the lives of local residents.

The programme focuses on sustainable funding that helps community organisations continue delivering valuable services year after year.

Objectives of the Heart of Yorkshire Fund

The fund aims to support projects that:

• Improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
• Strengthen education and skills development.
• Support environmental sustainability.
• Increase biodiversity and environmental awareness.
• Build stronger and more resilient communities.
• Protect important community spaces and services.

The programme particularly encourages projects that are designed with community involvement and respond directly to local needs.

Key Funding Priorities

Applications should align with one or more of the following priority areas.

Health and Wellbeing Support

The fund supports initiatives that improve physical and mental wellbeing, including:

• Support for older people and vulnerable residents.
• Healthy lifestyle activities for children and young people.
• Mental health support services.
• Counselling and peer support programmes.
• Activities that reduce loneliness and social isolation.
• Community wellbeing initiatives.

Projects that directly improve quality of life for people facing challenges are encouraged.

Education, Training and Employment Skills

Funding can support projects that improve learning opportunities, including:

• Employability skills development.
• Training programmes.
• Volunteering opportunities.
• Career preparation activities.
• Skills-building initiatives for local residents.

These activities aim to increase confidence, independence, and access to opportunities.

Environmental Sustainability and Biodiversity

The fund encourages projects that protect and improve the local environment, including:

• Community environmental projects.
• Biodiversity improvement activities.
• Community gardening.
• Local conservation initiatives.
• Environmental education programmes.
• Community “In Bloom” projects.

Projects that create long-term environmental benefits are particularly encouraged.

Community Sector Resilience

The programme supports organisations that help maintain essential community services, including:

• Keeping community venues open.
• Strengthening local community organisations.
• Improving organisational sustainability.
• Supporting volunteer networks.
• Developing stronger community connections.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Charities.
• Community organisations.
• Voluntary organisations.
• Other not-for-profit groups with charitable aims.

Applicants must:

• Be based in the former Selby district or provide services to residents of the area.
• Have an annual turnover below £500,000.
• Demonstrate charitable objectives.
• Deliver activities benefiting local communities.

Projects involving people with lived experience of the issues being addressed are strongly encouraged.

Eligible Project Activities

Funding can support a wide range of community activities, including:

• Befriending programmes.
• Community events and social connection activities.
• Information and advice services.
• Sports and recreation programmes.
• Support for children and young people during life transitions.
• Counselling services.
• Peer support groups.
• Volunteer recruitment and training.
• Environmental improvement projects.

Funding Information

The Heart of Yorkshire Fund provides:

• Maximum grant amount: £10,000 per year.
• Maximum funding period: Two years.
• Maximum total grant: £20,000.
• Total available funding this round: £100,000.

Around 5 to 15 grants are expected to be awarded.

The fund follows a full cost recovery approach, meaning applicants can include appropriate overhead costs within their project budgets.

Supported Costs

Funding may support:

• Project delivery costs.
• Staff and volunteer expenses.
• Training costs.
• Community activities.
• Equipment and materials.
• Operational costs linked to project delivery.
• Some capital costs.

Capital expenditure is subject to limits and should demonstrate long-term community benefit and sustainability.

Why This Fund Matters

Local community organisations play an important role in addressing challenges such as:

• Social isolation.
• Mental health pressures.
• Limited access to services.
• Environmental challenges.
• Declining community spaces.

The Heart of Yorkshire Fund helps these organisations continue providing support by investing in projects that create lasting positive change.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, organisations should confirm that they:

• Serve communities in the former Selby district.
• Have charitable aims.
• Meet the turnover requirement.
• Deliver activities aligned with fund priorities.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

Applications should clearly explain:

• The community need being addressed.
• Project activities.
• Target beneficiaries.
• Expected outcomes.
• Project timeline.
• Budget requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Applicants should provide required documents, including:

• Organisation details.
• Financial information.
• Project budget.
• Evidence of charitable status or aims.
• Supporting information about the proposed work.

Step 4: Submit Online Application

Applications must be submitted through the official online application process with all required supporting documents.

The deadline is:

17 August 2026 at 12:00 noon

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly demonstrate local community need.
• Explain how residents will benefit.
• Include measurable outcomes.
• Show community involvement.
• Highlight sustainability beyond the grant period.
• Include realistic budgets.
• Explain how people with lived experience are involved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Organisations should avoid:

• Applying for projects outside the former Selby district.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Submitting incomplete documents.
• Creating budgets without sufficient explanation.
• Failing to show community impact.
• Proposing activities unrelated to fund priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Heart of Yorkshire Fund?

The Heart of Yorkshire Fund is a community grant programme supporting charities and community organisations in the former Selby district to deliver projects that improve local wellbeing, education, environment, and resilience.

Who can apply for the Heart of Yorkshire Fund?

Charities and community organisations with charitable aims can apply if they are based in or serve residents of the former Selby district and have a turnover below £500,000.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can request up to £10,000 per year for a maximum of two years, with a total grant limit of £20,000.

What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports projects related to health and wellbeing, education and training, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and community resilience.

Can funding support staff and operational costs?

Yes. The fund follows full cost recovery principles, allowing reasonable overhead and project delivery costs to be included.

Are environmental projects eligible for funding?

Yes. Environmental improvements, biodiversity projects, community gardens, and sustainability initiatives are encouraged.

When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted online by 12 noon on 17 August 2026.

Conclusion

The Heart of Yorkshire Fund provides long-term support for community organisations working to improve life across the former Selby district. By funding projects focused on health, education, environmental sustainability, and community resilience, the programme helps local organisations create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.