Philanthropic charity sets out £10 million strategy

A philanthropic charity has outlined bold plans to increase its annual support for local charities and community groups to more than £10 million.

Community Foundation North East – formerly Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland – has launched a new strategy and refreshed identity to better reflect its regionwide reach and growing donor base.

Officials say the new approach will focus on boosting funding for the core running costs of local organisations, following extensive consultation across the region. 

They add it will identify five priority areas: poverty, opportunity, health and safety, culture and community life, and environmental sustainability.

Rob Williamson, chief executive of Community Foundation North East, said: “The Community Foundation model has been more successful here in the North East than anywhere else in the UK. 

“We are the largest in the country, but we see huge potential for growth. 

“Our new identity will help us engage even more donors and community organisations as we aim to meet the significant needs we see across the region. 

“We want to build on our success as the Community Foundation and the fact the North East regional identity resonates with people across the world.

“Our new strategy is grounded in our Vital Signs research, a comprehensive report on the needs of our region, as well as our On the Table community conversations, which captured the views of more than 1000 people from all walks of life in our area. 

“Guided by our five impact areas, Community Foundation North East’s work in the years ahead will focus on inspiring philanthropy, investing in communities and influencing change.”

Backed by donations from families, individuals and businesses across the UK and overseas, the foundation has distributed almost £180 million since 1988.

In the last year alone, nearly £9 million was awarded to 600 organisations. 

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