Category: Our News

Tees Valley groups awarded Lead the Change funding

Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation & The Key awarded £123,353 each through Lead the Change.

Point North announced North East Digital Charity Ball charity partner

Point North named charity partner for North East Digital Charity Ball 2027

Foundation For Good celebrates King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Foundation For Good celebrates King’s Award for Voluntary Service with official Wellbeing Café opening Foundation For Good celebrated being recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to local voluntary groups across the UK, and officially opened its new Wellbeing Café in Consett on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The Wellbeing Café was […]

Funding community art

Rethinking the value of arts and culture and making the case for community art funding.

Turner Prize & City of Culture bid

What the Turner Prize & City of Culture bid could mean for Tees Valley communities, economy and future.

Dame Susan Snowdon appointed President

Dame Susan Snowdon appointed President of Point North.

Middlesbrough’s creative future

What the Turner Prize and City of Culture bid could mean for Middlesbrough’s communities, economy and future The Turner Prize is coming to Middlesbrough. The prestigious prize, whose winners include artists Grayson Perry and Damien Hirst, is the definitive authority on what can be considered ‘arts and culture.’ This is an exciting moment for the town, […]

Convening the Bank of England in Durham

Point North convened the Bank of England in County Durham to hear from charity leaders.

We’re looking for new trustees

Point North is looking for new trustees who support our mission to fight poverty and enrich lives in County Durham and Tees Valley

Supporting Cancer Awareness Projects

Point North and Northern Cancer Alliance launch new Community Cancer Awareness & Screening Fund.

Submitting unredacted bank statements

Submitting unredacted bank statements as part of your application If you’re applying for funding from Point North, as part of our application process you will need to submit a bank statement. The bank statement needs to be unredacted. We know this can feel like a big ask, especially when the statement includes account numbers, transactions […]

When to become a registered charity

If your organisation has an annual income of more than £5,000 per year, it’s time for you to become registered.

Child poverty in Tees Valley

Child poverty in Tees Valley affects thousands of families. Read Point North’s reflections on bringing communities, charities and businesses together to create lasting change.

Point North joins representatives in Tees Valley

Point North joins more than 120 representatives in Tees Valley to tackle child poverty.

How to use AI for grant writing

Using AI for grant writing: tips to support your application.

Place-based giving starts with communities

Point North reflects on the government’s ‘Our place to give’ plan and explores why growing charitable giving must go hand in hand with sharing power, centring lived experience, and funding what communities actually need.

Young people care

Young people from County Durham and Tees Valley attend Point North’s ‘People who care’ youth workshop.

£31,334 raised for 30th anniversary year

Thank you to everyone who supported our 30th anniversary year.

Our commitment to challenging racism

Point North becomes early adopter of Become the Bridge, challenging racism in the North East.

Celebrating Village Halls in Durham and Tees Valley

Celebrating village halls supported by Point North grants.

Thriving Together Fund (Round 2) webinar

Watch our Thriving Together Fund (Round 2) webinar and find out more about the fund.

Lead the Change comes to Tees Valley

Point North set to deliver Lead the Change programme in Hartlepool, Darlington and Middlesbrough.

Help with the cost of living in County Durham

Cost of living support available for County Durham residents.

Supporting people living with cancer

£200,000 awarded to community groups to support people living with cancer.

£35,000 awarded at High Sheriff Youth Awards 

Sweet success for County Durham’s young people as £35,000 awarded at High Sheriff Youth Awards Twelve community groups across County Durham have been recognised for changing young people’s lives, as £35,000 was presented at this year’s High Sheriff Youth Awards.  For one unforgettable evening, Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield became a scene straight from Wonka’s […]

Mayor’s Opportunity Fund Round 3 Webinar

Watch our Mayor’s Opportunity Fund round 3 webinar and find out more about the fund.

Point North achieves Good Business Charter  

Point North joins national movement to raise the bar for responsible business.

Festive season opening hours​

Point North 2025 festive season opening hours.

Convening the Bank of England in Teesside

Point North convened the Bank of England and County Durham and Tees Valley charity leaders.

TEDxTeesside: building climate resilience

This TEDxTeesside talk, sponsored by Point North, shows why and how climate resilience is community resilience.

Care Leavers Programme in Durham and Tees Valley

Point North to fund support for care leavers in County Durham and Tees Valley as national Care Leavers Programme gains £1.7 million over three years by the Henry Smith Foundation.

Lumiere Wall of Fame: Avison Young

We’re proudly match funding Avison Young’s contribution to Lumiere Durham through our Northern Lights Match Fund.

Updates to Household Support Fund

We’re making improvements to the Household Support Fund.

Lumiere Wall of Fame: Hargreaves Land

We’re proudly match funding Hargreaves Land’s contribution to Lumiere Durham through our Northern Lights Match Fund.

£500,000 for older people in Durham and Darlington

Point North launches Enriching Later Lives Programme thanks to a £500,000 gift from the Varley Family Foundation.

Lumiere Wall of Fame: Prima Cheese

We’re proudly match funding Prima Cheese’s contribution to Lumiere Durham through our Northern Lights Match Fund.

Graham Dolphin awarded The Dover Prize

Artist Graham Dolphin has been awarded The Dover Prize by Point North.

Northern Cancer Alliance Funds Webinar

Watch our Northern Cancer Alliance Funds webinar and find out more about the fund.

Lumiere Wall of Fame: Northern Powergrid

We’re proudly match funding Northern Powergrid’s contribution to Lumiere Durham through our Northern Lights Match Fund.

Point North commissions for Lumiere Durham

Point North announces two new commissions for Lumiere Durham 2025.

Thriving Together Fund Webinar

Watch our Thriving Together Fund webinar and find out more about the fund.

Nominations open: High Sheriff Youth Awards

Nominate your group for the High Sheriff Youth Awards and celebrate the young people in your community.

Thriving Together County Durham

Point North secures £500,000 from Durham County Council to deliver Thriving Together programme.

Know Your Neighbourhood: extended

Point North secures over £260,000 Know Your Neighbourhood Fund extension to build social connections in County Durham.

Our July Challengers raised over £16,000

People and teams walked, ran, danced, cycled, swam and more to raise money for County Durham and Tees Valley communities.

Child poverty in the North East not inevitable

In this special guest post, Amanda Bailey, Director of the North East Child Poverty Commission, explains why we must take action on child poverty across County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East.

Point North marks 30 years

Point North celebrates 30 years of community investment across County Durham and the wider North East and announces growth plans.

Community foundations blueprint for better health

Drawing on our 30 years of experience, our new report showcases how community foundations are delivering NHS priorities.

B Local North East Change Fund

The B Local Change Fund is for businesses across the North East make a difference, together.

Mayor’s Opportunity Fund Round 2 Webinar

Watch our Mayor’s Opportunity Fund round 2 webinar and find out more about the fund.

Opinion: Let’s talk about core costs

It’s time to back core costs.

My internship at Point North

Lily Thompson reflects on her internship at Point North.

Point North Challenge: 38.7 Miles in July

Join the 38.7 Miles in July challenge and take action against child poverty in County Durham and Tees Valley.

Become a changemaker, make a difference

Become a Changemaker. A simple way for businesses to make a lasting impact in County Durham and Tees Valley.

Northern Lights match fund launched

Point North launches ‘Northern Lights’ match fund. Photograph of Lumiere Durham community light installation at night.

Point North 2024/25 grantmaking

Point North invests £5.7million in County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East in 2024/25.

BHP Law Supports Vital Remedial Work

Thanks to funding from BHP Law, vital remedial works have been carried out to preserve Hurworth Village Hall, ensuring it remains a welcoming space for residents.

Funds with a May deadline

A round up of funds with a May 2025 deadline for groups and individuals in County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East.

Meet our four new trustees

Point North welcomes Judith Hartley MBE, Sarah Thorpe, Alison Dunn, and Tim Mallon as new trustees.

Funding Update: Community Grants

Latest update to the Community Grants Programme.

The Dover Prize is open for applications

The Dover Prize is a £10,000 bursary for artists to develop their practice and pursue bold ideas.

Point North Chairs Bank of England Citizens’ Panel

Point North Chairs Bank of England Citizens’ Panel in Darlington At Point North, we work with hundreds of charities and community groups as well as businesses across County Durham, Tees Valley and the North East. Every day, we hear how the cost of living is affecting their work, their staff and the people they support. […]

£30,000 awarded at High Sheriff Youth Awards

Point North awards £30,000 to young people and their community groups at the High Sheriff Youth Awards.

Funds with an April deadline

A round up of funds with an April 2025 deadline for groups and individuals in County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East.

Atom Futures Fund reopens

Atom bank and Point North reopen the Atom Futures Fund for County Durham students

Funds with a March deadline

A round up of funds with a March 2025 deadline for groups and individuals in County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East.

Funds with a February deadline

A round up of funds with a February 2025 deadline for groups and individuals in County Durham and South Yorkshire.

Remembering Sir Paul Nicholson

Remembering Sir Paul Nicholson, President of Point North who sadly passed at the age of 86.

We’re looking for a Fund Manager

Point North is looking for a Fund Manager to be at the heart of our grant making and donor relationships.

Mayor’s Opportunity Fund Webinar

Mayor’s Opportunity Fund Webinar Thank you to everyone who signed up and attended the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund webinar. In case you weren’t able to join us, we’ve uploaded the recording and a copy of the slides for you to access below. What is the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund? The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund provides grants to groups […]

Videographer opportunity with Point North

Point North is looking for a videographer to help us tell the stories of lives changed, communities strengthened, and futures made brighter.

We’re looking for new trustees

Point North is looking for new trustees who support our mission to fight poverty and enrich lives in County Durham and Tees Valley

Point North responds to Chancellor’s 2024 budget

Point North welcomes measures aimed at supporting employees, low-income households, children, and pensioners, but calls for more government backing for charities

Hunger and Hardship in North East England

In recent years, the issue of hunger and hardship has become a growing concern across the UK, and the North East is no exception. Now research from Trussell shows that more people than ever are living in ‘hunger and hardship’, which they define as living on income at least 25% below the Relative Poverty Line. […]

Introducing Point North: our new name

County Durham Community Foundation is now Point North! County Durham Community Foundation is now Point North. We’ll reach our 30th anniversary in 2025, so our name change and rebrand is part of a bigger project to modernise and improve what we do to put us in the best position for the next 30 years! Our […]

Asking our politicians to end hardship in the UK

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. We’ve joined over 200 organisations nationwide, including the North East Child Poverty Commission, in signing an open letter to Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. The letter, led by […]

We’re planning for emergency grant-making

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. A visit from Helen Killingley, Director of Operations at the National Emergencies Trust, to run a workshop with us here earlier in March, reminded us of times when a […]

Atom bank launch fund with Point North

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. Atom bank and Point North (formerly County Durham Community Foundation) launch Fund to promote higher education access in the North East Atom bank, the UK’s first app-based bank, […]

High Sheriff Youth Awards Photo Gallery

Photography of the High Sheriff Youth Awards by Ian Sanderson Tuesday 26 March at Wynyard Hall, Stockton.

Community groups creating brighter futures

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. Youth clubs, community centres and sports clubs were commended at the High Sheriff Youth Awards recently, with ten organisations awarded grants totaling £21,500 from the County Durham Community […]

Fighting poverty and enriching lives in 2023

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. As our thoughts turn to 2024, we wanted to take a moment to highlight just a few of the things we’ve achieved together this year. Thank you, to […]

Poverty Hurts raises more than £1.1 million

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. Our Poverty Hurts Appeal, which we launched in November 2022, has reached and exceeded our ambitious goal of raising £1 million. The Poverty Hurts Appeal has seen donations […]

Darlington Dover Prize winner announced

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. Artist Rebecca Moss chosen as the Dover Prize winner from over 320 submissions We’re pleased to announce Rebecca Moss as the winner of the Dover Prize 2023. Rebecca […]

The Genesis Project Wins Prestigious King’s Award

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. We’re thrilled for The Genesis Project a community project based in Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, who have been awarded one of the first King’s Awards for Voluntary Service. The […]

Businesses donate £200k to support Lumiere

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. Businesses donate over £200,000 to support County Durham Community Foundation and Lumiere  The spectacular light art biennial is due to return to the streets of Durham from 16 […]

Lumiere Wall of Fame: BAM Nuttall

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. BAM Nutall supports Lumiere and County Durham Community Foundation This year Lumiere supporters have helped County Durham Community Foundation to fight poverty and enrich the lives of thousands […]

Lumiere Wall of Fame: Leonard Curtis

This year, Lumiere supporters could have their gift matched by County Durham Community Foundation, unlocking additional funding for the Lumiere Learning and Participation programme and the Foundation’s Poverty Hurts Appeal. The Poverty Hurts Appeal unites businesses and communities in fighting poverty and enriching lives for families and individuals across County Durham. This year Lumiere supporters […]

Lumiere Wall of Fame: Citrus Group

This year, Lumiere supporters could have their gift matched by County Durham Community Foundation, unlocking additional funding for the Lumiere Learning and Participation programme and the Foundation’s Poverty Hurts Appeal. The Poverty Hurts Appeal unites businesses and communities in fighting poverty and enriching lives for families and individuals across County Durham. This year Lumiere supporters […]

Lumiere Wall of Fame: Sherwoods Motor Group

This year, Lumiere supporters could have their gift matched by County Durham Community Foundation, unlocking additional funding for the Lumiere Learning and Participation programme and the Foundation’s Poverty Hurts Appeal. The Poverty Hurts Appeal unites businesses and communities in fighting poverty and enriching lives for families and individuals across County Durham. This year Lumiere supporters […]

Help for community organisations to go green

Almost £1 million for Poverty Hurts Appeal

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. Click to read the overview of the Poverty Hurts Appeal and hear from some grant recipients in this short update. County Durham Community Foundation’s Poverty Hurts appeal has […]

Record-breaking night at High Sheriff Awards

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. The High Sheriff Awards handed out a record £21,000 to a range of youth projects and community groups from County Durham and beyond – which was doubled to […]

Know Your Neighbourhood

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. Know Your Neighbourhood County Durham. County Durham projects will be awarded £3million over three years to boost volunteering and tackle loneliness. The cash injection comes as part of […]

Poverty Hurts: Prima team cheque in! 

Have you got a BRILLIANT idea?

Have you got a BRILLIANT idea? Entries for the BRILLIANT artwork commissioning scheme close this Sunday (February 19th) and anyone can submit an idea and be in with a chance of seeing it brought to life at #LumiereDurham in 2023. In this video, Kate from the Artichoke team answers some common questions about the project, […]

Project tackling isolation boosted by grant

An initiative aimed at tackling loneliness in a seaside resort has been given a secure future thanks to a generous donation by Darlington Building Society. The Silver Link project, run at Redcar by The Link Charitable Trust, has been awarded £5,967 as part of the Society’s annual pledge – supported by County Durham Community Foundation […]

Poverty Hurts: The State of Play

Poverty Hurts: The State of Play. We are so honoured to have Amanda Bailey, Director of the North East Child Poverty Commission, joining us for our next online event on Tuesday, January 24th. Amanda is our guest speaker, and will join our Chief Executive Michelle Cooper and Rachel Tweddle from TCR hub. Michelle will give an update about the #PovertyHurts Appeal, […]

Poverty Hurts: An exhibition by Carl Joyce

Children without warm winter coats, empty cupboards in County Durham homes, and a higher chance of lost lives due to fuel poverty. These were some of the crushing situations confronted by the Poverty Hurts Exhibition. Local photographer Carl Joyce was commissioned by County Durham Community Foundation to portray the impact of poverty in County Durham, […]

Giving Tuesday in County Durham

Giving Tuesday in County Durham. This #GivingTuesday look no further than County Durham Community Foundation if you want to make a difference on your dorstep Concerned about poverty? Want to give locally but not sure where your donation will make the most difference. Take a look at our Poverty Hurts Appeal, which is supporting small […]

Poverty Hurts Appeal 22 – launch gallery

Community hubs essential to fight poverty

LCBC Community Hub video premieres at Poverty Hurts launch. Ahead of the launch of the Poverty Hurts Appeal 2022, Michelle Cooper visited the LCBC Community Hub in St Helen Auckland. The hub offers good quality food at affordable prices and winter coats for free, as well as giving local people the chance to visit somewhere […]

County Durham Poverty Hurts Appeal launches

County Durham Community Foundation has officially launched its 2022 Poverty Hurts appeal with the news that more than a third of its £1m target in donations has already been raised. Donate today Speaking at the official launch event at Durham Town Hall on Friday, the charity’s CEO Michelle Cooper MBE made the announcement that a […]

Collabro concert in aid of Poverty Hurts Appeal

Collabro announce final concert in aid of Poverty Hurts Appeal. Collabro, the world’s most successful musical theatre vocal group, are to play one final concert to support County Durham Community Foundation’s £1million Poverty Hurts campaign.Organised by the High Sheriff of Durham, Shona Harper-Wilkes, who is backing the Poverty Hurts Appeal, the event will take place […]

Businesses rally to fight poverty

Businesses rally to fight poverty and enrich local lives County Durham’s business community has once again come together to support our annual Poverty Hurts Appeal 2022, which will officially launch on November 4th. The £1m appeal, founded in response to the cost-of-living crisis will support families choosing between heating and eating (and those who can […]

I Will fund in County Durham and Tees Valley

#iwill fund launches again for County Durham and Tees Valley. County Durham Community Foundation is proud to be distributing the latest round of #iwill funding in County Durham and Tees Valley made possible thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund and DCMS. Please note, applications for County Durham are now closed. Applications for Tees Valley […]

Memories from a very Royal summer

Memories from a very Royal summer (main photo from Jack Drum Arts) Following the sad news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, chief executive Michelle Cooper reflects on memories of a very Royal summer. The Platinum Jubilee was celebrated with gusto across County Durham and Tees Valley.Projects across local communities came […]

Queen Elizabeth II 1926 to 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died, aged 96. Hey Majesty The Queen took the throne at the age of 25 in 1952, and reigned for 70 years. Earlier in the year, her Platinum Jubilee was celebrated across the North East by local community groups and street parties. The team at County Durham Community Foundation […]

Hartlepool charity picks up a Royal honour

Hartlepool charity picks up a Royal honour. The wonderful Hartlepool Carers were presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service at the National Museum of the Royal Navy on Friday, 26th August. The award is equivalent to the MBE and is the highest award that can be made to a voluntary group. Mrs Sue Snowdon, Lord Lieutenant of County […]

Now launched: PHP Community Impact Fund

Now launched: PHP Community Impact Fund. A fund to help GP surgery patients and communities through social prescribing is now open to applications. County Durham Community Foundation will manage the PHP Community Impact Fund for the region. The idea was piloted last year in Lincolnshire and Scotland, and funded by Primary Health Properties PLC (PHP). […]

Supporter event at Beamish Museum

Heatwave prompts emergency response

Heatwave prompts emergency response. During recent record temperatures, County Durham Community Foundation was approached by a Tees Valley charity seeking to help those at risk. TEES (Together, Engage, Encourage Support) needed funding for emergency supplies to help people sleeping rough. The charity also wanted to help people struggling with addictions, the elderly and the isolated. […]

Michelle receives MBE from Prince Charles

Michelle receives MBE from Prince Charles. Please join us in congratulating our chief executive Michelle Cooper, who received her #MBE from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle yesterday. Michelle was awarded the honour for her outstanding contribution to the community effort seen through the pandemic. Anyone who knows Michelle knows that she is quick to brush off praise, […]

Robson Laidler announces new Community Fund

Robson Laidler accountants and business advisors has launched its own community Fund for charitable causes across the North East as the firm continues to balance its purpose with profits.   With offices in Newcastle and Chester-Le-Street, the firm which celebrates 102 years in business this year continues to stand by its purpose to make a positive […]

Climate matters, by Michelle Cooper

Michelle Cooper, CE of County Durham Community Foundation, writes about our recent efforts to do our bit for the planet. Where to start?  Or a better question, how to start?  I sat with my head in my hands nine months ago and wondered how County Durham Community Foundation could make a positive impact around the […]

Shona is new High Sheriff of Durham

Shona is new High Sheriff of Durham. County Durham Community Foundation would like to welcome the new High Sheriff of Durham, Shona Harper-Wilkes. Shona has a particular interest in community projects that tackle domestic violence, and in bringing more diversity to the role of High Sheriff. Shona is an entrepreneur, listed in the Who’s Who […]

Learning Curve Group annual charity ball

Learning Curve Group announce annual charity ball. Learning Curve Group (LCG), have announced their annual charity ball will take place this October. The National training provider’s annual ball is their biggest fundraiser of the year for the LCG Charity Foundation in partnership with County Durham Community Foundation. This year’s event theme is A Night in […]

Durham High Sheriff Awards: £1,000 winners

At the Durham High Sheriff Awards ’22, some wonderful youth groups took home £1,000 awards. Durham Association Boys and Girls Clubs  Durham Association Boys & Girls Clubs reaches 9,000 young people living in disadvantaged city or rural communities and was the only local organisation in 2021 to receive a Queen’s Voluntary Service Award – the […]

Durham High Sheriff Awards 2022

Durham High Sheriff Awards ’22. Young people stole the show last week at a prestigious awards ceremony to recognise their achievements. The High Sheriff Youth Awards were held at Ushaw Historic House and awarded a record amount of £17,000 to 11 local groups The headline winners were Stanley Area Youth Consortium, who scooped £3,000, and […]

Our commitment to flexible funding

n Our commitment to flexible funding. nnnn County Durham Community Foundation wants to be more open and trusting in our grant-making. So with more than 100 other funders, we have signed up to Flexible Funders project with the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) to work on this. nnnn We think now is the perfect […]

Poverty Hurts: Prima Cheese team back Appeal

n Poverty Hurts: Prima Cheese team back Appeal. n nn n Following a bumper year of charity work for local charity Red Sky Ball, in which thousands were raised throughout the pandemic, one of the UK’s biggest pizza cheese processors, Prima Cheese based in Seaham, is gearing up for another year of fun and fundraising […]

Solicitors stick by community

Solicitors stick by community. EMG Solicitors Limited headed off to meet the Durham Stickmakers on Monday – a group they’ve given crucial help to through their fund with County Durham Community Foundation. EMG Solicitors support a wide range of community groups and the Durham Stickmakers are a real hidden gem. Many members have been taking part in […]

Arqiva supports ‘not spot’ households

Arqiva, the company which operates Bilsdale TV Mast, today unveiled its latest way of helping people in East Durham whose TV signal may be affected when a new, interim mast is switched on next month. The TV Signal Help Team will tour the area in a customised vehicle, providing support and advice to residents. Last week Arqiva […]

Looking back at Lumiere 2021

Looking back at Lumiere 21. MichellenCooper reflects on Lumiere 2021 and what it means for the local community, longnafter the lights have dimmed. The chief executive of County Durham CommunitynFoundation supports the festival through match funding and by sitting on the developmentnboard. It was thenlook on her face that did it for me. Pride, a […]

Durham Choir raises funds for Poverty Hurts

Durham University Chamber Choir has raised £2,000 at a recent concert in London. The choir reached out to us last autumn, wanting to support the #PovertyHurts Appeal by raising awareness and taking donations at their annual Christmas concert in St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden. When we started the Appeal we did not expect it to […]

Poverty Hurts supports homelessness charity

Poverty Hurts: Appeal support homelessness charity. Cornerstone Supported Housing and Counselling’s new overnight service for people sleeping rough was awarded £1,000 from the Poverty Hurts Appeal. Swift action was called for to establish Cornerstone’s sit-up service for rough sleepers this winter after their street sweep team was profoundly saddened to find a young man dead […]

Teesdale and Wear Valley fund relaunches

Teesdale and Wear Valley fund relaunches. The 2D Ltd Legacy Community First Fund is aimed at small, locally-based voluntary and community groups and registered charities that primarily benefit local people in the ex-districts of Teesdale and Wear Valley (but excluding the area of Shildon). Grants of between £500 to £2,000 are available to support a wide range […]

Poverty Hurts Appeal: Local businesses rally

Poverty Hurts Appeal: Local businesses rally. Businesses throughout the North-East have come up with ways as unique as they are themselves to support the Poverty Hurts Appeal. These are their stories. *Please note, since this story was published in the Northern Echo, we have many more businesses and individuals to thank, and will do so […]

Poverty Hurts: Ladies of Steel

Poverty Hurts: Ladies of Steel. Thanks to the success of the Poverty Hurts Appeal, £1,000 was awarded to the incredible Ladies of Steel in Dormanstown. A lifeline for so many through the pandemic, this group continues to support older members of the community, people with learning difficulties and those who are socially isolated. Shoulder to […]

Poverty Hurts: LCBC Community Pantry

Poverty Hurts: LCBC Community Pantry. “On behalf of our organisation, I would like to thank each and every donor for their contribution that helps projects, such as ours, continue to support those in the community.”  Joanne Iceton, founder of Little Chefs, Big Chefs says a £1,000 award from the Poverty Hurts Appeal will help keep the […]

Sacriston Youth and Community Project

Poverty Hurts: Sacriston Youth and Community Project. “Poverty is real, it’s on the doorstep and I wish everyone could understand that they are closer to being homeless than they are to being a millionaire.”  Gemma O’Brien and the team from Sacriston Youth and Community Project are passionate when it comes to reducing poverty. Everyone has lived experience which helps them relate closely to the local community.  Poverty […]

“We saw the pain of this winter coming…”

Poverty Hurts podcast, with Michelle Cooper and John Atkinson. Michelle Cooper, CEO of County Durham Community Foundation, talks in-depth about the Poverty Hurts Appeal with John Atkinson, radio presenter for Bishop FM and Aycliffe Radio. Learn more about getting involved, what the Foundation is doing, and what inspired the Appeal. Please donate today. Thank you […]

Roman visit Pioneering Care Partnership

Roman visit Pioneering Care Partnership. A Newton Aycliffe business with a long history of giving hasnvisited a charity it supported through the pandemic. The team from Roman Ltd, the UK’s largest shower manufacturing plant, spent Wednesday morning with the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) also based in the town, to learn more about the adult day […]

Stanley art group ready to light up Lumiere

Stanley art group ready to light up Lumiere. County Durham Community Foundation heads to Stanley to visit a community art group taking part in Lumiere’s Learning and Participation programme. Match funding from the Foundation supports the programme and encourages other businesses to help fund the festival. Snip, rustle, hiss. The room is quiet with concentration […]

Saving lives through art and creativity

Community Foundation backs saving lives through art. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, so we are sharing the story of RT Projects – a wonderful organisation we are proud to fund, most recently through an NHS Connector grant. Read on to learn more. Using art as common ground, one Durham project is savingnlives through its […]

High Sheriff think local club is a knockout

High Sheriff think local club is a knockout. The High Sheriff of Durham, Robert Harle, visited Brandon Boxing Club last week to find out more about the stellar group. Robert, who lives in County Durham, spoke to founder Alex Oliver while the Thursday-night ‘rookie’ session for boys and girls aged five to eleven got underway. […]

#iwill project cleans up Seaham beach

#iwill project cleans up Seaham beach. Seaham youngsters have spearheaded a huge beach clean-up as part of a new youth-led project. Teenagers who attend Dawdon Youth and Community Centre are turning their ideas for stronger communities into reality: with support from the #iwill Youth Social Action programme. The funding programme, managed by County Durham Community […]

#iwill children face climate change together

#iwill children face climate change together. An #iwill project with Jack Drum Arts has brought together children from all walks of life to think about climate change. Young people wrote and performed an original show last week to shine a spotlight on the melting icecaps, carbon emissions and rising sea levels affecting their generation. Funding […]

Allotment uplift helps feed East Durham families

Allotment uplift helps feed East Durham families.  Our thanks to The Northern Echo for covering this good news! A PETERLEEnallotment project that grows vegetables for its local foodbank is celebratingnafter an uplift to its community plot. Lowhills Leisure Gardeners’ Association was awarded £2,860 by County Durham Community Foundation to improve its set up for community […]

Snappy project eases loneliness

Snappy project eases loneliness. Photo by Mavis Dunford. While loneliness was at an all time high, one County Durham project found a snappy way to make people smile Handing out disposable cameras to care home residents and carers, Wideyed then encouraged people to record their lockdown experiences for an exhibition called ‘Home Time.’ ‘Home Time’ […]

Funding available for young people in sport

Funding available to support young people in the North-East through sport. North East groups that support young people through sport may be eligible for a £2,021 grant through County Durham Community Foundation. Since the Clubs in Crisis fund opened in April, 18 grassroots groups have successfully applied, but funding is still available for others that […]

Darlington Building Society maximises giving

Darlington Building Society maximises giving. A NORTH-EAST building society has launched a new strategy to co-ordinate and maximise the benefits it brings to local communities Darlington Building Society has unveiled its “community impact strategy” to combine its commitment to donating five per cent of profits to good causes, along with volunteering, financial education, and sharing […]

£50million milestone for North East Foundation

£50million milestone for North East Foundation. A NORTH East charitable Foundation has marked its £50million milestone in grant-making that boosts communities. County Durham Community Foundation was founded 25 years ago by people who love, live and breathe the North East. With the support of local philanthropists and businesses, the Foundation awards hundreds of small grants […]

Overcoming loneliness with East Durham Trust

Overcoming loneliness with East Durham Trust. Anprescription for friendship has helped 71 people in East Durham to overcome lonelinessnand isolation. The project, by East Durham Trust, was funded with £5,000 through County Durham Community Foundation’s NHS Health Improvement Fund. People at risk of loneliness or suffering from poor mental health were invited to different sessions […]

Stand Out for Stanley hailed a success

A DAY to raise funds and bring smiles to Stanley has been hailed a success by local businesses. The first Stand Out for Stanley Day was held on Friday, April 30th, with local businesses, charities, schools and police dressing up and having fun to raise money for the Stanley Community Fund. Karbon Homes, NWR Hygiene, […]

Dover Prize winner announced

Dover Prize winner announced. An artist with a keen interest in Darlington’s linen history has been crowned winner of the town’s Dover Prize . Laura Wilson now hopes to work with local people and use the £10,000 bursary to explore the town’s rich textile history, alongside researching the linen industry in her home city of […]

Stand Out, a bright future for Stanley

Stand out for Stanle A North East town is joining forces to fundraise for a brighter future. Learn more and join in Police officers, schoolchildren, charities, and businesses are preparing to Stand Out for Stanley on April 30th, to raise money for the Stanley Community Fund. By dressing up, dressing down and putting the fun […]

Congratulations! High Sheriff 2021 winners

Congratulations to all of our 2021 High Sheriff winners – and thanks to all who joined County Durham Community Foundation on Facebook to celebrate. We are currently compiling all of the videos and entertainment from the evening into one single video, which we will share with you soon. Thank you also to our wonderful sponsors […]

Song-writing in Stanley to boost mental health

Stanley song writing project aims to boost mental health A STANLEY song writing project hopes to help residents boost their mental health. Citizen Songwriters has joined forces with PACT House to launch Songs for the Soul, a chance for people to come together and create songs that will be shared on the local community radio […]

‘Small charity’ aims high with Foundation funding

‘Small charity’ aims high with Foundation funding A ‘small’ charity with big ideas has developed an intensive new learning programme to help women move on from domestic abuse.  EVA Women’s Aid, based in Redcar, has now had its new course – Changes – accredited by a national examining body, OCN London.   CEO Richinda Taylor said […]

High Sheriff Awards tonight

High Sheriff Awards tonight Also featured in BDaily County Durham Community Foundation’s award ceremony for youth projects will go ahead online tonight. Marking the one-year anniversary of the start of lockdown, the High Sheriff Awards hope to bring some happiness on this difficult day. With support from Sir James Knott Trust, Durham Constabulary, the Durham […]

Lastest on Durham’s Lumiere festival 2021

Lumiere festival latest Two great articles from recent editions of The Northern Echo, outlining the Foundation’s match funding offer for local businesses: Match funding with County Durham Community Foundation As well as a fascinating delve into the history of light festivals: From candles to fogscapes: five centuries of light art

Project helps new mums cope with lockdown

Sensory project helps new mums cope with lockdown Hundreds of families have been helped through lockdown with a sensory project for new mums to cope with lockdown. Clart About, based in Consett, used to support families in person through its sensory café. But when lockdown arrived, founder Lynn Hammel transformed her knowledge and approach to […]

Life-saving defibrillator in Cornsay Colliery village

Life-saving defibrillator makes villagers feel ‘cared for.’ A life-saving defibrillator has been installed in Cornsay Colliery village thanksnto a grant from County Durham Community Foundation. Funding of £2,667.83 from the ESB International West Durham Windfarm Community Benefit Fund through the Foundation has helped The Residents’ Association of Cornsay Colliery (TRACC) to make residents feel safer […]

#RightNow charities are #NeverMoreNeeded

#RightNow charities are #NeverMoreNeeded Right now, charities are doing everything they can to make a difference, but resources are running out and people and causes are suffering. We need government to create an Emergency Support Fund. Show your support on social media today and visit www.nmn.org.uk to find out how. Read more below about what the groups […]

Climbing up the LADDER to Employment

Climbing up the LADDER to Employment* A County Durham charity is helping people climbing up the ladder to employment. Ferryhill Lakes and District Development Education Resource Centre, also known as Ferryhill Ladder Centre has helped six people find a job through its Digital and Financial Wellbeing project. n Funded by a grant of £9,846 from […]

Durham PCVC backs community safety project

Durham PCVC backs community safety project The Together for Safer Communities project, run by ATOMS Education, has been awarded £8,500. Funding from the Office of the Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner through County Durham Community Foundation has made the project possible. More than £150,000 was made available for community groups within County Durham and […]

Celebrating Village Hall Week

Celebrating Village Hall Week with community foundations. This #VillageHallWeek – we celebrate one community hub that is flushed with success after a grant from County Durham Community Foundation. Flanked by two mature horse chestnut trees, with its beautiful red brick double front and display clock, Coxhoe Village Hall is a beauty. But until recently, not […]

Christmas cheer saved with drive-in carols

Christmas cheer saved with drive-in carols Sedgefield residents were very disappointed when their annual ‘Carols on the Green’ event was cancelled. New lockdown restrictions meant the popular event could not go ahead. But thanks to a grant of £790 from County Durham Community Foundation through the EDF Walkway Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund, the event […]

Send Lumiere your BRILLIANT entries

Community Foundation encourages BRILLIANT entries. County Durham Community Foundation is encouraging creative people from across the North East to enter their BRILLIANT ideas for this year’s Lumiere. The BRILLIANT programme, sponsored by EMG Solicitors, invites artists from the North East, aged 18 and over, to submit their bright ideas. Successful applicants will be supported by […]

Durham PCVC supports survivors of abuse

Durham PCVC support survivors of rape and sexual abuse. “It can only make a community safer – to have strong women at the heart of it. Everything we do is about empowering women and helping them to feel in control of their lives.”  Isabel Owens is deputy chief executive of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling […]

Community foundation reaches Christmas target!

Community foundation reaches target. County Durham Community Foundation and Durham Cathedral have exceeded their fundraising target. Thanks to wonderful support from the public, the two Durham institutions have raised £2,386 through their joint #ComfortandJoy Christmas appeal The appeal aimed to combat loneliness and share the friendship of the Christmas season. Supporters were able to reach […]

Comfort and Joy appeal nears target

Photo by kind permission of Peter Barron Media Comfort and Joy appeal nears target – Durham Cathedral and County Durham Community Foundation approach £2000 milestone. Durham Cathedral and County Durham Community Foundation are close to reaching their fundraising target of £2,000 for their joint Comfort and Joy appeal. Before the appeal closes on Friday, December […]

Karbon Homes donate £10k to Covid Recovery

Karbon Homes donate £10k to Covid Recovery. Thanks to a £10k boost in funding, one Durham charity isnable to support even more community causes across the region. County Durham Community Foundation’s Covid-19 Recovery Fund was advanced by £10,000 from Karbon Homes, to support local causes as they adapt the services they offer due to the […]

From couch to creative with Durham charity

From couch to creative with Durham charity An online art project has proved a huge hit for people with learning disabilities. The Creative Couch project was launched by TIN Arts at the beginning of lockdown, and has made a positive impact right across the region. Formerly known as TIN at Home, the project was designed […]

This Giving Tuesday – bring Comfort and Joy

This Giving Tuesday – bring Comfort and Joy to people in your community. If you choose to give through our appeal – your gift will have many positive affects. Because supporting our Comfort and Joy appeal means supporting our Covid-19 Recovery Fund. And that means more grants, for more wonderful groups like St Margaret’s Centre […]

Opening new doors for Derwentside Hospice

Opening new doors for Derwentside Hospice For 30 years, Willow Burn Hospice in Durham has been supporting adults who suffer with incurable illnesses. As the only adult hospice in Derwentside, it provides nurse-led services that enables people with serious illnesses to make the very most out of life. The team supports patients and clients who […]

800k NHS funding for winter resilience

800k NHS funding for winter resilience. Groups in County Durham, Tees Valley and Sunderland that support people experiencing hardship and poor mental health could benefit from a pot of NHS funding this winter. Learn more and apply Thanks to funding provided by NHS England, charities and community groups can apply for grants of up to […]

New Life inDurham fund launches

New Life inDurham fund launches. Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the City and the businesses who call Durham their home. Jobs and incomes have been affected, with a clear link between the business and residential community. The #ClapForCarers movement showed real community spirit in action. During the harshest times of lockdown when it […]

Facemask sales fuel progress

Facemask sales fuel progress for key Stanley charity. A STANLEY charity which empowers women has sold 6,000 facemasks to raise money for a new extension. Just for Women runs therapeutic workshops and counselling for women facing domestic abuse, poor mental health and financial worries. While the centre has been closed, the team of staff and […]

£50k to fight winter deaths and loneliness

£50k to fight winter deaths and loneliness As winter approaches, the Foundation has joined forces with Age UK to fight excess winter deaths and loneliness. Through funding from The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) – County Durham Community Foundation has been able to support older people in the region, by reaching out […]

Darlington Finance team pledge support

Darlington Finance team pledge support. Sandringham Financial Partners – Darlington have pledged their support for the Foundation’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund.  Advising Partners Rachel Denham and Tristan Burd have committed to supporting their community through the pandemic from day one of starting their business.  Rachel said: “This is something we are really passionate about. We are hugely ambitious for our business and the […]

MBE for our Chief Executive Michelle

MBE for Michelle We are delighted to let you know that our chief executive, Michelle Cooper, is listed for an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year. The award is for her outstanding contribution to the community effort seen through the pandemic. Led by Michelle, the Foundation made £1million in grants in three months across Durham, […]

Durham charity helps mums keep fit

Durham charity helps mums keep fit. A Durham charity is offering free exercise classes and childcare for mums in County Durham. Live Well North East is based in County Durham and delivers high quality support to families and young people in the North East. Now the charity is holding free weekly exercise classes for mums […]

Charity tackles begging in Darlington

Charity tackles begging in Darlington. The 700 Club is a Darlington-based charity that provides accommodation and support services to vulnerable individuals, families and couples who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. With the help of the Community Safety Fund, its work now extends to those begging in the town. Now the charity is aiming […]

Lumiere set to return in 2021

Lumiere set to return in 2021. The internationally-acclaimed light festival is planning its return to Durham City. Commissioned by Durham County Council, and produced by Artichoke, the festival is set to be a guiding light for the North East’s pandemic recovery. And local businesses can play a key part in the festivities. The Foundation is […]

Teesside Hospice won’t be stopped by pandemic

A Teesside Hospice is refusing to let the pandemic stop its care for people with terminal illness. With a £5,000 grant from County Durham Community Foundation, the Middlesbrough charity has bought laptops, phones and revamped their website. The team is continuing to be a lifeline for people living with cancer, COPD and other terminal illnesses […]

Young Women’s Film Academy, music video

Young women join forces to make mental health music video. A dozen young women have produced their first music video despite lockdown. Members of the Young Women’s Film Academy Saturday Club were inspired by Wearside singer songwritter, Lottie Willis. Lottie’s song – Voices – was chosen from 18 submissions. The young women then worked with […]

Hartlepool project feeds thousands

Hartlepool project feeds thousands The Big League sprang into action when the pandemic struck.   Ian Cawley, who manages the Hartlepool CIC, said: “I had a feeling Covid-19 was going to be massive. So we closed the centre a week early and decided we’d get ready to support the community with some food.  “In the first week we did 50 […]

Brandon Boxing Club fight back

Brandon Boxing Club fight back. Brandon Boxing Club is a well known local hub for homegrown champions. Back in March the club was welcoming 35 children each night to its popular classes. But in March, like many other clubs, it was forced to close when lockdown began. Keeping in Touch But the club wanted to […]

Cleveland Mountain Rescue awarded £2k

Cleveland Mountain Rescue has been awarded £2,000 by County Durham Community Foundation to keep up its life-saving work. The Cleveland charity team, which relies on dedicated volunteers, has been helping the local community through lockdown. Alongside itsnrescue and search work, the charity has been helping out with errands,ndeliveries and support for the housebound. Helping hand […]

Middlesbrough group spreads Ubuntu

A Middlesbrough group is spreading Ubuntu throughout the town’s BAME communities. Ubuntu Multicultural Centre staff and volunteers have been reaching out to people affected by lockdown. ‘Ubuntu’ is the African concept of brotherhood. The word describes the idea of shared responsibility and compassion. Essentially, it’s about looking after other people, and helping where you can. Which made […]

County Durham charity lifeline for disabled adults

A County Durham CIC is offering a lockdown lifeline to adults with learning difficulties thanks to charity funding. Charity Lifeline Endeavour Woodcrafts, in Ferryhill,  offers education and skill building around woodwork and crafts. But the day service for adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues has been closed because of Coronavirus.  Instead, they are keeping […]

Show goes on for dementia choir

A dementia-friendly choir is making sure the show goes on despite lockdown. Northern roots Hot started a dementia-friendly music activity project last year for people in County Durham. It proved incredibly popular and was boosted by a £2,870 from CDCF’s community grants programme. After performing at a festival in Easington, the choir has continued to […]

Middlesbrough community spirit shines

Linx Hemlington Detached Youth Project have used a £5,000 grant to bring practical help and community spirit to Middlesbrough. Sara Mirsalehi, who leads the project, said: “Middlesbrough often features in the press for the wrong reasons, however, during this crisis, we have seen a lot of communities working together, wanting to help and seeing what […]

Reaching our 25th Anniversary

Wow. It’s our 25th Anniversary today. 25 years, 45 million in grassroots grants, and thousands of groups funded. All because two people – Sir Paul Nicholson and David Grant – wanted to make the North East a better place to live. Thank you to all of our donors, partners and supporters. And to the groups […]

Power communities through the pandemic

West Durham Wind Farm has launched a Covid-19 fund for communities within 10 miles of Cornsay, Cornsay Colliery, Hamsteels, East Hedleyhope and Satley. Organisations and groups can apply for up to £2,000 for projects that deal with community problems caused by the Coronavirus and lockdown. Managed by County Durham Community Foundation, the fund welcomes applications […]

Thanks a million – Durham charity milestone

Article by Peter Barron – read in full AT a time when supporting our communities is more important than ever, it is entirely fitting that the 25th anniversary of the County Durham Community Foundation should coincide with the biggest public health crisis in a generation.Throughout that quarter of a century, CDCF has been a force for good […]

£1million in grant-making through Coronavirus

We have reached the £1million milestone in grants to groups. Groups are helping communities get through Coronavirus by offering emergency support. Food parcels, suicide prevention support, help with mental health, prescription collections, incontinence products for end-of-life cancer patients and relief for key workers are some of their wonderful achievements. It’s been a stressful, joyful, grief-striken […]

Durham cancer charity helps out

A Durham charity that supports people with cancer is going the extra mile. Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group  have adapted their minibus to transport cancer patients safely to and from hospital. Because of the strain on NHS ambulance services, patients have been asked to source their own travel. Durham Cancer charity lifeline Many of the people they […]

Darlington charity helps COVID-19 isolation

A Darlington charity that supports disabled people has found new ways to help through lockdown. Like many groups, Darlington Association on Disability had to stop their usual services when lockdown began. But they knew disabled people were counting on them. So they applied for a £5,000 grant from County Durham Community Foundation. Darlington charity make a difference […]

Darlington group back bikes

A Darlington social enterprise is loaning bikes to NHS staff for free. Bike Stop have helped 10 key workers with their commute, with a grant from County Durham Community Foundation. The £3,200 grant will help NHS staff and other key workers get to work: without having to use public transport. Darlington Bike Stop Rob Archer, […]

Durham charity team support key workers

Durham charity Lifeline Community Action are supporting key workers on low wages to stay safe through the pandemic.    County Durham charity Pauline Chambers, who works and volunteers for the charity, explained:    “We are helping a lot of key workers, who are often on minimum wage, as is their partner. They are having to wash their […]

North East charity help groups

REfUSE have delivered more than 5,000 meals to the community since the start of lockdown. The community interest company used a £5,000 grant from North East charity County Durham Community Foundation to transform their usual work. Food for families Nikki Dravers, from REfUSE said: “We helped a lady who is unable to leave the house […]

Funding for suicide-prevention charity

A County Durham charity that aims to prevent suicide has seen a 100% rise in calls. Staff from If U Care Share Foundation, based in Chester Le Street, have been running the charity from home. As need has risen, they have arranged online and phone support for people who are struggling at this time.    Funding […]

Tackling domestic abuse during lockdown

Teesside charity chief speaks out. A Teesside charity chief has spoken out about the horrifying impact of domestic abuse during lockdown. Teesside charity chief speaks out Richinda Taylor, chief executive for EVA Women’s Aid, says the consequences are sure to be far-reaching. And that some women ‘will not make it out of this alive’.  EVA Women’s Aid […]

BME Tees Valley women get support

A Teesside CIC is reaching out to support older BME women in the Tees Valley. Teesside CIC help BME community Women Today help Black African women with information, guidance and self-esteem building. However, the group fears that older BME women in Tees Valley will be left isolated by the pandemic. Tees Valley CIC founder Founder […]

TEESDALE families thrown a lifeline

A quick-thinking community centre has offered a lifeline to Teesdale families. The Teesdale Community Resources Hub, in Barnard Castle, had planned to deliver hot meals from their café throughout lockdown. Now they are making hampers for those in need. Teesdale spirit From delivering nine hampers in the first week, they are now delivering more than 75. Often to families in dire […]

Durham charity delivers hope through lockdown

A County Durham charity is delivering hope and more throughout the pandemic. Volunteers and staff from Handcrafted are delivering 165 meals a day. But they are delivering more than food. Each day they support people with mental health, loneliness and domestic abuse. Harry Jennings, from Handcrafted, said: “The daily meals we offer are a really practical […]

Durham charity helps those ‘terrified to go out’

Durham charity helps those ‘terrified to go out.’ A Durham charity has launched a help service for people affected by Coronavirus.  CitySafe Durham usually provides first aid and medical support to people enjoying the city’s nightlife. But now the team are helping local people through lockdown. Durham charity helps Volunteers are meeting urgent need in the community […]

Cleveland charity motor to the rescue

A CLEVELAND charity is going the extra mile to support the NHS through the Coronavirus Pandemic.  Bloodrun EVS was founded ten years ago by volunteers who work overnight to deliver samples for pathology testing by motorbike. But thanks to a £2,500 grant from County Durham Community Foundation, the charity will now be helping take patients safely home once they have been […]

Darlington communities support the vulnerable

LUNCH is served thanks to a Darlington community known for its neighbourliness.  Red Hall Partnership has launched a thrice-weekly ‘meals on wheels’ project to support the elderly, isolated and vulnerable through the Coronavirus pandemic.  Red Hall Primary school, situated next door to the community centre where the partnership is based, has transformed its kitchens from making […]

Support for Durham, Darlington and Teesside

The Covid-19 outbreak is and will continue tonhave a major impact on our communities, the individuals within them and thengroups that support them. County Durham Community Foundation’s number one priority for the next three months is to ensure we’renbeing as supportive and flexible as possible and that includes being open tonadapting to new and different […]

Important information for groups about Covid-19

In light of current advice around Covid-19 virus and the steps your organisation may need to follow to reduce its spread, we are aware of the additional pressures this may place on you and your organisation.  We recognise that event cancellations, project closures, a reduction in the numbers participating or in having to operate at […]

Farewell to North East musician ‘Ukulele Bill’

Bill Blewitt, who was a regular member of the Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington Ukulele band, passed away at the weekend at the age of 99. County Durham Community Foundation is a long-term supporter of Bill’s band and paid many visits to the joyful group over the years. Michelle Cooper, chief executive, said: “We […]

Kevin Ball visits Stanley youth project

YOUNG people in Stanley are giving badnbehaviour the red card with a new Friday-night youth project. Stanley Kicks, run by the Foundation ofnLight, launches this Friday night with two weekly sessions for different agengroups, in a bid to offer young people a positive way to spend their free time. Footballing hero Kevin Ball visited thenproject, […]

Funding boost for Darlington groups

Darlington groups are to benefit from larger funding pots, thanks to a new initiative by County Durham Community Foundation. The foundation has focused its efforts on creating bigger grants by joining smaller funds together through the Darlington Grants programme. Groups will be able to apply for grants of up to £5,000.Margaret Vaughan, chief operating officer of […]

Helping people see the light over plastic pollution

Arts project will see children and adults transform plastic bottles into chandeliers, which will be used as part of the Lumiere light festival Children show off their creations during the workshop at Seaham Library. An arts project is spotlighting the daily continuing flood of polluting plastic waste. And the venture will give people the chance […]

Charities doing more thanks to support

Deeds not words” were the order of the day for the recent Women’s Autumn Lunch held by the County Durham Community Foundation. Over 150 women from leading businesses and third sector organisations, including UMi, celebrated the achievements of local charities supported by the Foundation at the glorious Wynyard Hall in Billingham. The County Durham CommunitynFoundation is an independent […]

Exhibition on the horizon for over-55s craft project

GETTING CREATIVE: Trevor Dixon in his workshop where he produces miniature models. Mr Dixon will lead sessions of the new Creative Age project at Utass. THE searchnis on for a group of would-be crafters aged 55 or over for a new project to benlaunched in the autumn Thenproject, Creative Age, is being organised by officials at The […]

New players needed for County Durham baseball

A BASEBALL club is looking for new players in preparation for re-entering the Northern Baseball League next season. The club – which plays in the Northern Baseball League – was formed in 2011 as the Newton Aycliffe Spartans before changing its name in 2016 to County Durham Spartans. The leaguencovers teams from Newcastle to Nottingham and Hull […]

Wanderers Club pots funding for facelift

A Barnard Castle snooker club that was on the edge of closure a few years ago is getting a facelift thanks to two grants. Teesdale Wanderers Club, in Birch Road, was founded in 1922 but had been in decline with dwindling membership and dated equipment. But chairman David Dye has helped to double the membership […]

Women’s Autumn Lunch Gallery

Women’s Autumn Lunch 2019

The annual Women’s Lunch honored grassroots groups in the region who bring life-changing support to North East women. More than 175 women gathered to hear inspiring storiesnof change at County Durham Community Foundation’s Autumn lunch. Locardia Chidanyika from Women Today, Fiona Taylor andnEmma Zenaj from Building Bloxs and Linda Kirk and Debra Rogan from Just […]

Barnard Castle arts centre adds new classes

Two new classes aimed at older folk have been lined up for Barnard Castle’s arts centre this autumn as officials continue efforts to attract more people through the doors Singing for Fun, led by Jane Ford, and Falling on Your Feet, run by Helix Arts, have been made possible thanks to funding via the County […]

Brandon Boxing Club wins grant for facility upgrades

Members of a successful County Durham community boxing club are on their toes after winning a four-figure grant from a regional employer for a new competition-standard boxing ring. Brandon Boxing Club was set up in 2013 with a view to giving anyone from around the region the chance to get fit and learn new boxing […]

Living exhibit opens at Beamish museum

The replica of a County Durham pit village’s community centre is the first of a host of new exhibits at the popular tourist destination . The 1950s was brought back to life this weekend with the first building officially opened at the new period town at Beamish. The welfare hall exhibit is a replica of […]

Ron Hogg visits Jack Drum Arts in Crook

Members of a community arts group put on a show after they welcomed a special visitor. Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg visited Jack Drum Arts in Crook to explore the creative activities available to disadvantaged and vulnerable people of all ages The arts project promotes self-expression, and community cohesion. The group prides itself on being a […]

The Cornforth Partnership celebrates 21st birthday

A CHARITY has celebrated its 21st birthday after renovating its headquarters thanks to a funding grant. The Cornforth Partnership was given a style transformation after it was awarded a £5,000 grant from the Durham-headquartered Banks Group’s Banks Community Fund, as well as additional funding from the 4 Together Area Action Partnership. The charity works to […]

High Sheriff Youth Awards 2019 Gallery

Record sum handed out in prestigious youth awards

A host of organisations supporting young people in the North-East shared £13,000 at a prestigious awards ceremony on Wednesday 3rd April It was the biggest sum ever handed out in the history of thenHigh Sheriff Youth Awards. The awards were presented to voluntary and communityngroups and registered charities whose projects focus on work with young […]

Community safety in County Durham

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. Community groups and voluntary sector organisations have the opportunity to apply for a grant, thanks to a Community Safety Fund launched today. For the fifth year Ron Hogg, Durham […]

Winner of the Dover Prize Award is revealed

The winner of a prestigious North East contemporary art competition, which attracted applications from across the country, has now been revealed. Newcastle-based artist, Bethan Maddocks, has been awarded County Durham Community Foundation’s Dover Prize 2019 – a bursary of £10,000 to support Bethan’s creative practice. The bursary will provide the artist with time to think, […]

Bishop Auckland school delve into their heritage

Pupils at St John’s School and Sixth Form College, A Catholic Academy, have done 16 mini projects for At Home with Heritage– an initiative funded by the Northern Heartlands Community Initiative Fund, managed by County Durham Community Foundation. Academy arts co-ordinator Jaquie Holloway said: “The aim is to help our students develop their knowledge and […]

Youngsters host poetry event at welfare hall

Youngsters organised a major poetry event in the unlikely setting of a former Miners Welfare Hall. Almost 100 people attended the event at Blackhall Community Centre, one of the first of it’s kind in this area. The event was part of East Durham Trust’s No More Nowt Happens project, which is funded by County Durham […]

Teesdale medieval site archaeological project

An archaeological project has been awarded funding to extend investigations into a deserted medieval settlement. The project will combine excavation work with a new arts scheme thanks to funding from the Northern Heartlands Community Initiative, managed by County Durham Community Foundation. Findings at the Well Head settlement in Holwick, Teesdale, will be complemented by film-making, […]

Darlington businesses champion accessibility

Darlington businesses have worked together to boost accessibility and inclusion at the town’s 112-year-old theatre to provide support for those with sensory impairments. Reopening in 2017 following a £13.7 million restoration, Darlington Hippodrome wanted to make the venue as accessible as possible for the blind and partially sighted and reimagined the space for a new […]

Railway garden proves to be a hit with pupils

A TIRED, overgrown and underused section of Montalbo Primry School, in Barnard Castle, has been transformed into a sensational, railway-themed garden complete with an original goods wagon. The railway heritage garden, which has taken nearly two years of hard work to come to fruition, was officially opened last week and was applauded by invited guests, […]

Our partnership with Durham University

The Durham University Community Fund (DUCF) was launched in October 2017 to provide grants to charities and non-profit organisations that university staff and students already support through volunteering. In the first year of the project, funds given by university staff, either through payroll giving or through fundraising events, will be matched by the university up […]

Nature reserve to host artistic project

TWO organisations have come together to celebrate wildlife through art. Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT) has joined up with arts organisation Daisy Arts for the creative initiative. The project at the Trust’s reserve at Low Barns, near Witton-le-Wear, will have three elements: workshops with schools and community groups; the creation of artworks to create a unique artistic […]

Millions invested to help people get active

£3 million to be spent in 16 boroughs, towns and cities across England to encourage more people to get involved in local issues will include Stanley in County Durham. People acrossnEngland will find it easier to invest time, skills and money to make theirnlocal areas better places to live through a multi-million pound programme, MimsnDavies, […]

Big-screen debut for play filmed in Barnard Castle

The ordeal of three women who suffer domestic abuse is the subject of Make Do and Mend, which receives its big screen debut in Barnard Castle this week A PLAY which portraysnthe emotional stories of domestic abuse sufferers is to be given its big screenndebut in Barnard Castle. Make Do and Mend tells the ordeal of […]

Boost for our Winter Warmth Fund

The County Durham Community Foundation Winter WarmthnFund is now in its eighth year of helping vulnerable people in County Durhamn& Darlington during the winter. The campaign originallynbegan as a vehicle for generous pensioners to ‘recycle’ their Winter Fuelnpayments, but it has now developed into a giving portal for anyone who wants tonhelp support vulnerable people […]

Women and girls projects get a share of £3.4m

More than 25 North East-based projects working with some of society’s most vulnerable women and girls have received a much-needed funding boost from County Durham Community Foundation. Small charities and community groups have each received grants of almost £10,000 from the Tampon Tax Community Fund to work with women of all ages, focussing on preventative […]

Bulmer Stone inspiration for Dover Prize exhibition

A piece of Darlington’s heritage and folklore was the inspiration behind a new exhibition opening at the town’s covered market. ‘Strang Stane’ has been created by London-based artists Shaun Doyle and Mally Mallinson, who were awarded County Durham Community Foundation’s Dover Prize 2016, a £10,000 bursary to develop an exhibition of works to be premiered […]

Unlocking historic funds to benefit the North East

The Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and the County Durham Community Foundation are joining a ground-breaking initiative in the Government’s new Civil Society Strategy to distribute inactive charitable funds to good causes. The two foundations, which already award hundreds of grants a to groups from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Darlington, are hoping the scheme will […]

£300k of grants awarded by REG Power

Two local wind farm funds have now awarded £300,000 to community groups in County Durham. REG Power Management set up their community benefits funds seven years ago, with a special focus on helping projects in communities near the wind farm sites. The Community Foundation manages the funds (one linked to a site in South Sharpley […]

ESB West Durham grants £200k to local people

More than 40 community groups in Durham benefit from wind farm community funds ESB West Durham Wind Farm has donated thousands of pounds to over forty community projects in County Durham since 2010, through County Durham Community Foundation. Their most recent recipient is Hamsteels Community Centre, which was awarded £6,000 to upgrade storage facilities and […]

Women’s Spring Lunch – County Durham Talent

County Durham Community Foundation’s ‘Women’s Spring Lunch’ saw 10 young sporting athletes from County Durham come together to celebrate their success at Ramside Hall. The annual event hosted by Caroline Theobald, saw 180 guests attend which included business women, groups of friends and other individuals enjoy good food and enjoy an ‘In Conversation with’ three […]

Darlington friends ease miscarriage heartache

A trio of Darlington friends have launched a project to try to ease the trauma of miscarriage. Abra Wood, Avryl Taylor and Helen Gordon started Angel Gowns With Love two years ago – attracting a team of volunteers who turn donated wedding dresses into burial gowns for stillborn babies. Since then they have helped hundreds […]

Record sum handed out in prestigious youth awards

A Host of organisations supporting young people in the North-East shared £13,000 at a prestigious awards ceremony. It was the biggest sum ever handed out in the history of the High Sheriff Youth Awards. Awardswere handed out to 12 organisations by this year’s High Sheriff of Durham, Caroline Peacock, who described it as “a fabulous […]

Funding to protect traditional craft

A group of handy Stickmakers have carved out a bright future through a £5,000 community grant.Durham Stickmakers have been meeting for 20 years and gather twice a week to learn the traditional craft of making walking sticks, canes, staffs and shepherds’ crooks.  Durham Stickmakers applied to the Enriching Later Life programme, managed by County Durham […]

Funding a young cricketer heads to South Africa

 A young cricketer with hopes of turning pro has found the backing to play in South Africa. Alex McGrath was awarded £500 by the Durham County Cricket Club Youth Trust Fund, managed by County Durham Community Foundation. The 20-year-old Spennymoor sport is studying at Durham University and will travel to Cape Town in March with […]

Band play on thanks to 5k funding boost

A Treasured brass band has been saved by a successful bid to repair their instruments. Murton Colliery Band, founded in 1884, has been given £5,000 by the E.ON Great Eppleton Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund.The fund, managed by County Durham Community Foundation, will allow the colliery band to fix some of their ageing instruments.  Band […]

£1,260 raised in memory of PC Gavin Smith

Staff at Durham Constabulary have helped to raise more than £1,000 for a cancer charity in memory of their colleague, PC Gavin Smith. Gav, who appeared in the Channel 5 TV series Police Interceptors, tragically lost his battle with cancer earlier this year. To show their support, 110 staff ran or walked a mile around […]

Our new Chief Executive, Michelle Cooper

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Michelle Cooper as our new Chief Executive. Michelle joins from Northstar Ventures where she is an Investment Director working across a wide range of investment funds delivering social impact and capital return. She is currently responsible for sourcing, evaluating and investing in high impact charities through her […]

Ending the misery of fuel poverty

“TOGETHER we can end the misery of fuel poverty.” That’s the message from Barbara Gubbins, chief executive at County Durham Community Foundation. The Foundation’s Surviving Winter campaign launches today, with hopes that it will raise even more than previous years. Barbara explained: “We are truly grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received with this campaign […]

Swimming club launches SOS for volunteers

Durham Otters has been running for more than 30 years and caters for people of all ages who would find a traditional swimming club unsuitable or inaccessible.  Chairman John Chamberlayne, who lives in Belmont, explained: “We would love more swimmers and volunteers to join our little community and our special priority is to find a […]

Blind cricket star bowled over by support

A remarkable young man’s dream of playing for England’s blind cricket team has been boosted by a grant from a charitable foundation. Jake Ternent, 21, has been selected for the England Visually Impaired Cricket Development Squad after excelling as captain with his county team. And Jake, of Ludworth, County Durham, has been bowled over after […]

Football Club scores cash boost from legacy fund

“If the cost of these events is high, attendance is much lower, so there’s no doubt this funding makes the camps more realistic and affordable for parents He said: “We have great coaches, great volunteers and 120 young people coming through the teams and all we want to do is carry on the good work […]

Training to aid domestic abuse survivors

Wear Valley Women’s Aid is a support service for women, men and children who have been subjected to abuse in the home. It offers guidance, outreach support and refuge, including accommodation, at times of desperate need.  A grant from County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) is now helping the organisation to deliver a 12-week training programme […]

Delivering much more than food…

A “Meals On Wheels” service has been given a £5,000 boost by County Durham Community Foundation. Peter Barron goes out on a delivery round to see why the service is so vital. For Bob Potts and Billy Atkin, it’s business as usual as they climb into their white van and check the names on today’s […]

Rebuilding the red kite population

County Durham Community Foundation has rebranded to Point North, in all our articles written before the rebrand, we’ve kept references to County Durham Community Foundation for accuracy. County Durham Community Foundation is supporting a campaign to rebuild the population of red kites in the North-East. Peter Barron finds out how the money will be spent. […]

James Fenwick is our new Chairman

County Durham Community Foundation, which has given out more than £34m to good causes over 22 years, has unveiled its latest chairman. As the proud descendant of generations of Weardale farmers, James Fenwick’s roots are planted deep in the County Durham soil. And his passion for the county shines through in his determination to help […]

£5,000 boost for appeal to restore arson-hit play area

Plans to restore a park play area following an arson attack have been given a £5,000 boost. Parents were outraged and children left in tears after the pirate ship play area for toddlers in Darlington’s South Park was destroyed by fire in February. Community campaigners responded by launching a £23,000 appeal to replace the play […]

Tribute to Trustee, Brian Manning

The County Durham Community Foundation had a long-standing relationship with Brian Manning, who was known across the North-East business community as chief executive of Esh Group. Mr Manning, a former vice-president of the North East England Chamber of Commerce, passed away on April 28 following a battle with cancer. CDCF manage the Esh Charitable Trust’s […]

High Sheriff Awards at Bowes Museum

A host of organisations supporting young people in the North-East have been awarded cash prizes at a prestigious ceremony. The High Sheriff Awards were presented at The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, with £10,500 in cash prizes being handed out. The awards were presented in partnership between the High Sheriff of Durham, County Durham Community […]

Fund launched to help cricketers of the future

An exciting new fund aimed at budding cricketers in County Durham is being launched by the Durham County Cricket Club Youth Trust which will be managed by County Durham Community Foundation. The Fund is looking to further assist local cricket organisations with the object of improving the life of young people in the region. Grants […]

Applications open for Community Safety Fund

COMMUNITY GROUPS and voluntary sector organisations have the opportunity to apply for a grant, thanks to a Community Safety Fund launched earlier today. Funding is available for projects and initiatives across County Durham and Darlington that help to keep communities safe and contribute towards inspiring public confidence. Ron Hogg, Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, […]

Our Sherburn House Partnership

A Charity providing vital support for elderly people in the North-East will be strengthened by an “exciting” new partnership in 2017. The Sherburn House Charity has announced that it is joining forces with CDCF to maximise the impact of its services on behalf of elderly. The charity – also known as Christ’s Hospital in Sherburn […]

Dover Prize winners revealed

The winners of a prestigious North East contemporary art competition which attracted applications from across the country were revealed. London based artists, Shaun Doyle and Mally Mallinson have been awarded this year’s County Durham Community Foundation’s Dover Prize, a two year bursary that supports the art and creative industries. The visionary pair have won a […]

Street Dancer becomes Charity’s CEO for the Day

On Friday 18th November County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) took part in the Takeover Challenge 2016, which saw organisations across England opening their doors to children and young people to take over adult roles. Takeover is a fun and successful engagement initiative which puts young people in decision-making positions and encourages organisations and businesses to […]

Partnership with British luxury brand Burberry

An exciting new partnership has been formed between British Luxury brand Burberry and County Durham Community Foundation to continue their Learning Working Earning initiative in East Durham to progress young people into jobs.  County Durham Community Foundation’s Learning Working Earning initiative was launched in March 2013 to help unemployed individuals throughout County Durham and Darlington […]

£30 million milestone in grant-making

As County Durham Community Foundation “comes of age”, it has been revealed that it has passed the £30m milestone in grants handed out to good causes. It is an inspirational journey which found its way to County Durham but began in the unlikely setting of the American midwest. An automotive pioneer called Charles Stewart Mott – […]

NHS fund awards grants of over £100,000 to community health projects

Community groups and voluntary organisations have recently benefited from over £100,000 of grant funding to support community health projects left as a legacy to County Durham Community Foundation. The NHS Health Improvement Fund managed by County Durham Community Foundation has recently awarded grants to 14 organisations based in County Durham and Darlington who run projects […]

PRIZE FUND OF £10,000 FOR ARTISTS

An endowment fund set up in 1998, by Peggy Nonhebel (née Dover) with County Durham Community Foundation – the Dover Family Fund – to promote art and the education of art in and around Darlington has relaunched today (27th July) and is now open for applications with a prize fund of £10,000. Background to the […]

GRANT PROVIDES NEW KITCHEN FOR BOWLING CLUB

Three funds managed by County Durham Community Foundation will allow the Vane Tempest Bowling Club to replace their out-dated kitchen and enable them to provide in-house cooking for their social events. The William Leech Fund, Four Seasons Healthcare Fund and Durham AAP Fund, all contributed to the kitchen refurbishment grant of £2,664 which was much-needed […]

Designer brand funding created jobs

A donation from British luxury brand Burberry in 2015 to County Durham Community Foundation has created employment opportunities in East Durham. As part of its 2015 Festive Campaign, Burberry paid tribute to the iconic BAFTA-winning British film Billy Elliot, whose storyline was set in Easington. The funding is being used to deliver County Durham Community […]

Funding to help keep communities safe

nnCommunity Groups and voluntary organisations are set to benefit from £150,000, of grant funding across the area. The Community Safety Fund, set up by Ron Hogg, the Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (PCVC), recently made grants to projects aiming to reduce crime and improve community safety. Ron’s fund provided £100,000 of funding, with an additional contribution of […]

New CDCF Trustee Colin Fyfe visits Café JJ

Colin Fyfe, Chief Executive of Darlington Building Society who recently became a trustee of County Durham Community Foundation, paid a visit to Cafe JJ to see the difference grants make in the community and also to speak to some of the staff who benefited from the funding. The group received a grant of £2,500 to […]

Durham’s High Sheriff Rewards unsung heroes

People who have made a major contribution to community safety and crime prevention in County Durham have been given well deserved recognition and thanks at the prestigious High Sheriff Awards ceremony. A group who work tirelessly in Consett to help young people build a positive future and an organisation that helps young people in Shildon […]

County Durham Community Foundation’s New Health Boost

Today we launched the latest round of NHS Health Improvement Fund, opening opportunities for organisations across the County to help improve local health. The Fund, a legacy of the former County Durham PCT was set up in 2013 to support general health and wellbeing projects that enhance the work of the NHS across the county. […]

Award winning Afternoon Tea raises over £2,000

We recently hosted our first ever ‘Afternoon Tea’ recently with 100 guests attending the Rivergreen Centre in Aykley Heads, Durham with a sumptuous tea provided by Jesmond Dene House.  Peter Candler, Managing Director of the Rivergreen Centre and Jesmond Dene House generously offered to hold this event with all proceeds going to the Community Foundation. […]

Community Safety Fund set to help many more across the County

Following on from the successful launch of the County Durham and Darlington Community Safety Fund in 2015, the second year of funding of £150,000 is now open and available for groups to apply. Ron Hogg, Durham\’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has continued his partnership with us to deliver the Community Safety Fund. This funding is […]

County Durham Community Foundation welcomes new Chief Operating Officer

On the back of the success of their 20th year of celebrations, County Durham Community Foundation welcomes a new Chief Operating Officer to expand their team. Margaret Vaughan comes with a strong background in strategic and operational management in both the private and the third sectors and, as Chief Operating Officer, will look at the […]

Grand Finale to 20th Year

County Durham Community Foundation is ending its 20th Anniversary on a high as it appoints four experienced trustees, distributes its review of the last twenty years and reflects on a successful year of celebration and achievement. The four new trustees will be able to help the Foundation shape the future, building on the success and […]

Durham nursery ground gets cash

A brand new nursery training ground, that will give a vital boost to young people and women cricketers, is set to go ahead after a £150,000 cash injection from three North East organisations. Durham County Cricket Club has raised the cash needed to develop a new training facility that will become a community resource for […]

High Sheriff Awards celebrate the achievements of young people

The High Sheriff of Durham, James Fenwick, is working in partnership with the Sir James Knott Trust and County Durham Community Foundation to spearhead the High Sheriff’s awards. He is calling for community groups to submit their entries for these leading community awards that reward young people for doing ground-breaking and life-changing work across the […]

Northumbrian Water lights up Staindrop!

Scarth Memorial Hall in Staindrop has received an illuminating donation of £2,300 from Northumbrian Water, who hold a long standing fund with County Durham Community Foundation, helping local residents feel safe when using the services. Scarth Memorial Hall provides facilities to over one thousand users every month. Activities include Pilates exercise classes, lunch clubs, dance […]

East Durham Learning Working Earning Programme now open!

The aim of the East Durham Learning Working Earning Programme is to support unemployed individuals aged 16-25 living in the East Durham area who have been offered employment linked to an apprenticeship or accredited work based learning but who, without financial support, would be unable to take up the offer. It also supports businesses with […]

Trustees get fit for charity

The board of trustees of County Durham Community Foundation took part in a special photo opportunity this week in preparation for a review document celebrating 20 years of the charity. The trustees meet once a quarter, and decided to hold their September meeting at the Active Life Centre in Coxhoe to see how grants made […]

Funding available for Teesdale & Wear Valley

County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) is holding funding surgeries in Teesdale and Wear Valley in September as it has funding available for community groups in these areas. CDCF manages a number of funds including two Northumbrian Water Funds and the 2D Legacy Fund both of which currently have funding available. The 2D Legacy Fund which […]

2D Ltd Legacy Fund Now Open!

The 2D Ltd Legacy Community First Fund is now open for applications! This fund is aimed at small, locally-based voluntary and community groups and registered charities that primarily benefit local people in the ex-districts of Teesdale and Wear Valley (but excluding the area of Shildon) • To apply groups must have an income of no […]

Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Scheme now launched

The MOD has released information regarding the new Covenant fund. There will be £10 million available every year, and this year the funding is available for the following 3 priorities: 1. Community integration projects2. The coordination and delivery of support to the armed forces community3. Issues facing veterans in the criminal justice system Who can […]

Safely off the streets this summer

This month we have awarded £149,983 from the Police Crime Commissioner Fund to 21 different projects throughout County Durham and Darlington, aimed at improving community safety and reducing crime. One of the groups who received funding were Wheatley Hill Community Association who were awarded £9,490 to provide access to free activities for young people in […]

CDCF Dedication Service at Durham Cathedral

On Monday 29th June CDCF held a Dedication Service at Durham Cathedral to celebrate 20 years of charitage giving in County Durham & Darlington The event was a huge success with over 500 in attendance which included donors, grant recipents, previous and existing staff and fund holders. The event included a parade of grant recipients who have […]

Residents at High Shincliffe celebrate the creation of a new-look playground

A grant of £5,000 has been donated to Shincliffe Community Association to help with the costs towards the regenaration of High Shincliffe Park & Playing field. Rusty old play equipment dating from the 1960s has been replaced with the latest models and the park’s football pitch is getting an artificial surface. The village has been […]

£25,000 awarded to Foundation for Jobs

We have recently awarded Foundation for Jobs significant funding of £25,000 towards the Foundation for Jobs project which aims to tackle worklessness. Foundation for Jobs works with firms to address reasons they may not previously have taken on young people and helps them to develop new apprenticeship places, as well as sourcing and developing interview […]

1st Newfield Scout Group receive £5,000

A grant has been awarded to 1st Newfield Scout Group to provide support towards the running costs and purchase camping and sports equipment for field trips and activities. The group is set to enjoy a weekend of adventure activities after receiving £5,000 from County Durham Community Foundation with £2,000 from Cestria Community Housing Grassroots Fund.The group […]

Youngsters launch 20th anniversary of CDCF

A year of celebration is launched today as County Durham Community Foundation reaches its 20th anniversary of distributing millions of pounds to good causes. Youngsters from the Education Centre for Children with Down Syndrome, one of many organisations supported by CDCF since June 29 1985, kicked off the 20th anniversary with a balloon launch. CDCF […]