Northamptonshire Community Foundation News Feed - News

Blog - The Power of Conversation: Unlocking Northamptonshire’s Philanthropic Potential

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:53:21 GMT

At Northamptonshire Community Foundation, we have long understood something: when people are supported to consider how and why they give, remarkable things happen and the latest figures from the 2026 Charities Aid Foundation Giving Report: Wealth Advice and Philanthropy confirm exactly that.

Unsung heroes across the county to be celebrated as Rose of Northamptonshire Awards open for nominations

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:19:13 GMT

Nominations for the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards 2026 are now open.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation launches fund to support care leavers

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:20:24 GMT

Northamptonshire Community Foundation has launched the Pathways to Independence: Care Leavers Fund, a new fund which will provide grants to charities and community groups supporting young people leaving care across the county. The programme will invest £150,000 over three years, with match funding helping to increase its impact.

International Women’s Day 2026: #GiveToGain

Sun, 8 Mar 2026 15:56:29 GMT

At Northamptonshire Community Foundation, improving the lives of women and girls across the county is central to our work as a grant-making charity. From supporting grassroots groups to funding projects that promote wellbeing, education, and empowerment, we see first-hand how targeted support can create meaningful change. This aligns perfectly with this year’s #GiveToGain theme, celebrating how generosity and collaboration help increase opportunities and support for women.

50 Families project helps Northamptonshire families lead healthier lives through food

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:20:50 GMT

Three Northamptonshire charities have been working together to help local families lead healthier lifestyles through the unifying power of food.

How Today’s Giving Is Shaping the Next 25 Years for Northamptonshire

Wed, 4 Feb 2026 09:58:49 GMT

This year, Northamptonshire Community Foundation marks 25 years of inspiring local giving for local needs: a quarter-century of residents, donors, businesses and partners coming together to back the charities and community groups that make our county fairer, greener and more connected. As we celebrate this milestone, our focus is firmly on the future: how the choices we make today, as grant makers supporting place-based philanthropy and as a community foundation, will shape the next 25 years of community change across Northamptonshire.

Northamptonshire Partnership Celebrates Volunteer Success for Trustee Week

Mon, 3 Nov 2025 14:35:10 GMT

Northamptonshire is celebrating Trustee Week (3rd - 7th November) by highlighting the success of a partnership launched last year between the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office, the VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) Assembly, and the Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

Dozens of local charities to be celebrated at Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Annual Awards event

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:33:25 GMT

Next month, Northamptonshire Community Foundation will celebrate more than 30 charities, community organisations, volunteer-led groups and individuals from across the county at their Annual Awards evening, due to take place at the Royal Theatre.

August Community Heroes

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 14:00:51 GMT

Each month, we celebrate Community Heroes across Northamptonshire. These organisations are working tirelessly to improve the lives of our county's most vulnerable residents, and we're very proud to support them.

To read more about each Hero, have a look at our Community Hero of the Week column in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, published every Thursday.

Pioneering volunteering across Northamptonshire

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 13:47:15 GMT

The Volunteering for Health - Test, Learn and Innovate Programme launched earlier this year to support voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to pilot new, innovative and sustainable volunteering models.

Combatting climate change through the Arts

Mon, 1 Sep 2025 13:45:48 GMT

The Creative Climate Action Fund, launched in 2023, was our first fund dedicated solely to combatting climate change.

Tackling Loneliness in Northamptonshire: How Community Giving Builds Belonging

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:47:03 GMT

Social isolation and loneliness are some of the most significant but often hidden needs in Northamptonshire today. Especially in rural areas, where services can be limited and communities can be physically and digitally disconnected, people of all ages face the growing challenge of feeling unseen, unsupported, and alone.

June Community Heroes

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:39:09 GMT

To read more about each Hero, have a look at our Community Hero of the Week column in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, published every Thursday.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation named as Chamber of Commerce's Charity of the Year

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:08:54 GMT

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is the county’s leading independent grant-making charity, committed to improving lives across Northamptonshire.

Towcester-based charities boosted by more than £41,000 in funding

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:34:39 GMT

More than £41,000 has been awarded to 12 local charities in and around Towcester from the Towcester Park Community Fund, which is managed by Northamptonshire Community Foundation on behalf of IM Properties.

Preventative Power: Community Foundations Partnering With Health

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:40:55 GMT

The Government has announced a 10-year health plan, and a new Neighbourhood Health Service. This has been billed as a once in a generation opportunity to re-think the way in which we approach health and wellbeing.

Celebrating Volunteers, Powering Communities: Northamptonshire Launches Volunteer Recruitment Drive

Tue, 3 Jun 2025 09:28:38 GMT

This week, the winners of this year’s round of Rose of Northamptonshire Awards will be announced at two celebration events hosted by Northamptonshire Community Foundation, North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council.

Wind farm funding powering local communities

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:38:59 GMT

More than £250,000 has been awarded to community groups, charities and volunteer-led organisations across rural Northamptonshire since 1st April 2024, from wind farm funds managed by Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

Miles for change: Northamptonshire High Sheriff and charity leader trekking 40km across the county to support prison leavers

Wed, 21 May 2025 10:36:48 GMT

In support of Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s High Sheriff’s Initiative Fund, Northamptonshire High Sheriff Jeremy Sharman and foundation Chief Executive Rachel McGrath will trek 40km across the county, fundraising to enable grant awards for local charities working to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

Vital Support for the Vulnerable: Local Charities Empowered by New Funding Partnership

Mon, 12 May 2025 12:14:12 GMT

More than £29,000 has been awarded to 11 local charities from the Randal Foundation Fund, which is managed by Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

Stanwick Taekwon-Do kicks off partnership with Northamptonshire Community Foundation-managed Harry’s Fund to support youngsters in Northamptonshire

Mon, 7 Apr 2025 11:51:02 GMT

Stanwick Taekwon-Do is excited to announce a powerful partnership with Harry’s Fund, a charitable initiative managed by Northamptonshire Community Foundation supporting young people with neurodiverse conditions across Northamptonshire.

February Community Heroes

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:40:44 GMT

To read more about each Hero, have a look at our Community Hero of the Week column in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, published every Thursday.

January Community Heroes

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:31:50 GMT

To read more about each Hero, have a look at our Community Hero of the Week column in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, published every Thursday.

Businesses across the county join giving circle to support Northamptonshire’s most vulnerable residents

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:00:54 GMT

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is delighted to announce the addition of fantastic new members to their Corporate Giving Network.

Unsung heroes across the county to be celebrated as Rose of Northamptonshire Awards open for nominations

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:58:50 GMT

Nominations for the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards 2025 are now open.

Local charity running urgent appeal to support 38,000 Northamptonshire residents at risk of fuel poverty

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:57:19 GMT

Now in its 14th year, Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Warm this Winter appeal has so far raised more than £267,000 to tackle fuel poverty and to support residents across the county who are not turning on their heating, or cutting back on food, to save money.

More than £95,000 awarded to Northamptonshire-based organisations working to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour amongst young people

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:15:16 GMT

Since launching the Northamptonshire Young People’s Fund in 2024, Northamptonshire Community Foundation has awarded £95,227 in grants to charities and community organisations working to improve the lives of young people thanks to the generosity of The Wilson Foundation, Constance Travis Charitable Trust and S27 Proceeds of Crime charity donations from the local courts.

September Community Heroes

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:41:28 GMT

To read more about each Hero, have a look at our Community Hero of the Week column in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, published every Thursday.

Young People Poetry Award launched to amplify young voices and honour the legacy of David Laing CBE

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:42:51 GMT

In commemoration of David Laing CBE, Northamptonshire Community Foundation has launched the David Laing CBE Young People Poetry Award.

Local charity CEO treks 100km to raise thousands for good causes across the county

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:34:43 GMT

Rachel McGrath, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, has raised almost £3,000 for the foundation’s General Fund by completing the 100km South Coast Challenge.

Local grant-making charity has awarded more than £109,000 to rural communities across the county

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:12:13 GMT

Through the Rural Community Needs Fund, Northamptonshire Community Foundation has awarded more than £109,000 to 13 charities and community organisations working to tackle urgent needs such as poverty and access to services across local rural towns, villages and the countryside.

Hundreds of volunteers sign up to make a change in Northamptonshire during The Big Help Out weekend

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:55:46 GMT

The Big Help Out weekend, which took place Friday 7th – Sunday 9th June 2024, saw hundreds of volunteers from across Northamptonshire show up to support local charities in their work to improve the lives of our most vulnerable residents.

Family Food Aid appeal launched to support local families experiencing food poverty

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:50:29 GMT

Northamptonshire Community Foundation has launched the Family Food Aid appeal, to tackle food poverty and ensure that vulnerable families and children across the county have access to nutritious food and vital support services.

Newly launched bursary will support teenagers with neurodiverse conditions to continue their education and secure volunteering placements

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 15:24:47 GMT

A Northamptonshire family have launched a new bursary scheme in memory of their late son Harry Chadwick who died six years ago.

If you'd like to donate to Harry's Fund, click here.

Unsung heroes across the county to be honoured with Rose of Northamptonshire Awards

Fri, 10 May 2024 09:44:51 GMT

Following the re-launch of the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards in 2023, Northamptonshire Community Foundation have again partnered with the North and West Northamptonshire Unitary Authorities to open nominations for the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards 2024.

Local charities awarded more than £2.97 million by Northamptonshire Community Foundation

Fri, 10 May 2024 09:41:18 GMT

During the 2023/24 financial year, Northamptonshire Community Foundation awarded more than £2.97 million in grants to small charities, community groups and volunteer-led organisations across the county.

Local community foundation opens fund to support communities across rural Northamptonshire after raising almost £140,000

Fri, 10 May 2024 09:41:50 GMT

Northamptonshire Community Foundation has raised over £137,000 so far through the Shining a Spotlight on Rural Community Needs appeal, which has enabled the launch of the Rural Community Needs Fund.

Local organisations awarded £94,000 to fight climate change

Mon, 4 Mar 2024 09:15:01 GMT

Through Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Creative Climate Action Fund, two Northamptonshire-based organisations were awarded more than £47,000 each for creative projects that build awareness around climate change and encourage local residents to make behavioural changes to protect the environment.

February Community Heroes

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:46:37 GMT

Each month, we're celebrating Community Heroes across Northamptonshire. These organisations are working tirelessly to improve the lives of our county's most vulnerable residents, and we're very proud to support them.

To read more about each Hero, take a look at our Community Hero of the Week column in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, published every Thursday.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation working with Anchor Butter to fund vital food projects across the county

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:16:27 GMT

Northamptonshire Community Foundation is one of three members of the UK Community Foundations network, working with Anchor Butter in 2024 to distribute funding through the Anchor Community Connection Fund.

January Community Heroes

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:19:09 GMT

To read more about each Hero, take a look at our Community Hero of the Week column in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo, published every Thursday.

Local community foundation sets out to provide more grant awards and support to vulnerable communities and support local good in 2024

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:30:29 GMT

The county’s leading independent grant-making charity has started the year with news of new funds, new challenges, over £1.8 million already awarded to groups across Northamptonshire since April 2023, and being on target to award at least £2.5 million by April this year in grants to small, local charities, volunteer-led organisations and community groups.

Local charities become award winners at Northamptonshire Community Foundation Annual Awards

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:27:22 GMT

Six local charities and community groups and two individuals won awards for their commitment to their local communities at Northamptonshire Community Foundation's Annual Awards event, held at the Royal Theatre in Northampton on Wednesday 29th November.

Local charity starts winter appeal to keep elderly neighbours fed, warm and well

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:12:37 GMT

Northamptonshire Community Foundation has launched their Warm this Winter appeal, to tackle fuel poverty amongst the county’s older and vulnerable residents.

More than 40 groups and individuals to be celebrated at annual awards event hosted by local community foundation

Thu, 9 Nov 2023 15:51:10 GMT

Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Annual Awards event celebrates the charities, community groups and unsung heroes who are dedicated to bettering the lives of residents across the county.

Over £1 million in grants awarded to Northamptonshire’s most vulnerable communities during the last six months

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:28:59 GMT

Photo: the launch of Basketball Northants Carry a Basketball not a Blade campaign, funded by Northamptonshire Community Foundation

Since 1 April 2023, Northamptonshire Community Foundation has awarded over £1 million in grants to local charities and community organisations across the county.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation highlights urgent need across the county in latest Hidden Needs Report

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:28:52 GMT

In partnership with the University of Northampton’s Institute for Social Innovation and Impact, Northamptonshire Community Foundation has published the second Northamptonshire Hidden Needs Report.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant presents local heroes with Rose of Northamptonshire Awards

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:40:26 GMT

Last week volunteers from local charities The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation and The Lewis Foundation received Rose of Northamptonshire Awards, for their tireless work and dedication to their local communities. In total, 57 presentations to local unsung heroes will be taking place throughout August and September.

Local groups tackling youth violence awarded funding from Northamptonshire High Sheriff's Initiative Fund

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:58:07 GMT

The High Sheriff of Northamptonshire has awarded £10,500 to four local groups, through the Northamptonshire High Sheriff’s Initiative Fund.

The fund is administered by Northamptonshire Community Foundation and has awarded grants to four local community organisations, funding projects set up to bring people across the county closer to their communities. The funding programme awards grants of up to £3,000 to groups doing work to tackle serious youth violence, creating stronger and safer communities and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

Where it all began: the origins of community foundations

Tue, 8 Aug 2023 12:29:42 GMT

We have come a long way since our humble beginnings. The first community foundation originated in 1914. It was the brainchild of Cleveland, Ohio lawyer, Frederick Harris Goff, who was concerned about philanthropic gifts which had outlived their original purposes. His idea was to develop charitable endowments that would be flexible enough to respond to changing community needs.

Northamptonshire Community Foundation News Feed - News

Blog - The Power of Conversation: Unlocking Northamptonshire’s Philanthropic Potential

Unsung heroes across the county to be celebrated as Rose of Northamptonshire Awards open for nominations

Northamptonshire Community Foundation launches fund to support care leavers

International Women’s Day 2026: #GiveToGain

50 Families project helps Northamptonshire families lead healthier lives through food

How Today’s Giving Is Shaping the Next 25 Years for Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Partnership Celebrates Volunteer Success for Trustee Week

Dozens of local charities to be celebrated at Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Annual Awards event

August Community Heroes

Pioneering volunteering across Northamptonshire

Combatting climate change through the Arts

Tackling Loneliness in Northamptonshire: How Community Giving Builds Belonging

June Community Heroes

Northamptonshire Community Foundation named as Chamber of Commerce's Charity of the Year

Towcester-based charities boosted by more than £41,000 in funding

Preventative Power: Community Foundations Partnering With Health

Celebrating Volunteers, Powering Communities: Northamptonshire Launches Volunteer Recruitment Drive

Wind farm funding powering local communities

Miles for change: Northamptonshire High Sheriff and charity leader trekking 40km across the county to support prison leavers

Vital Support for the Vulnerable: Local Charities Empowered by New Funding Partnership

Stanwick Taekwon-Do kicks off partnership with Northamptonshire Community Foundation-managed Harry’s Fund to support youngsters in Northamptonshire

February Community Heroes

January Community Heroes

Businesses across the county join giving circle to support Northamptonshire’s most vulnerable residents

Unsung heroes across the county to be celebrated as Rose of Northamptonshire Awards open for nominations

Local charity running urgent appeal to support 38,000 Northamptonshire residents at risk of fuel poverty

More than £95,000 awarded to Northamptonshire-based organisations working to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour amongst young people

September Community Heroes

Young People Poetry Award launched to amplify young voices and honour the legacy of David Laing CBE

Local charity CEO treks 100km to raise thousands for good causes across the county

Local grant-making charity has awarded more than £109,000 to rural communities across the county

Hundreds of volunteers sign up to make a change in Northamptonshire during The Big Help Out weekend

Family Food Aid appeal launched to support local families experiencing food poverty

Newly launched bursary will support teenagers with neurodiverse conditions to continue their education and secure volunteering placements

Unsung heroes across the county to be honoured with Rose of Northamptonshire Awards

Local charities awarded more than £2.97 million by Northamptonshire Community Foundation

Local community foundation opens fund to support communities across rural Northamptonshire after raising almost £140,000

Local organisations awarded £94,000 to fight climate change

February Community Heroes

Northamptonshire Community Foundation working with Anchor Butter to fund vital food projects across the county

January Community Heroes

Local community foundation sets out to provide more grant awards and support to vulnerable communities and support local good in 2024

Local charities become award winners at Northamptonshire Community Foundation Annual Awards

Local charity starts winter appeal to keep elderly neighbours fed, warm and well

More than 40 groups and individuals to be celebrated at annual awards event hosted by local community foundation

Over £1 million in grants awarded to Northamptonshire’s most vulnerable communities during the last six months

Northamptonshire Community Foundation highlights urgent need across the county in latest Hidden Needs Report ​​​​​​​

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant presents local heroes with Rose of Northamptonshire Awards

Local groups tackling youth violence awarded funding from Northamptonshire High Sheriff's Initiative Fund

Where it all began: the origins of community foundations

Northamptonshire Community Foundation highlights urgent need across the county in latest Hidden Needs Report