Following a successful launch of the second funding round in July 2019, the LOCAL FUND Panel (made up of donors, Friends of the LOCAL FUND and representatives of Harrogate Borough Council) met in October and awarded over £35,000 to 16 groups from across the Harrogate District.

Grants awarded ranged from £365 to support smaller groups such as Dacre & Hartwith Village Hall and Harrogate Hospital Radio and larger awards of up to £3,000 made to Whixley Village Hall and the Harrogate AFC Sporting Memories project.

In addition to this, earlier in October over £30,000 was awarded through the LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District and the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire partnership ‘Dragons Den’ event held at Rudding Park with local charities and community groups pitching their projects to a panel of ‘dragons’.

On November 27th the groups came together with donors and supporters of the fund to celebrate these awards which highlight the vital work of community groups and charities across the Harrogate District whose work is dedicated to improving the lives of local people.

THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District is an innovative partnership between Harrogate Borough Council, HARCVS and Two Ridings Community Foundation designed to encourage local giving and be a long-term source of funding support and encouragement to the work of local organisations tackling social issues that affect local people.

Harrogate Borough Council has contributed £30,000 this year towards THE LOCAL FUND, which together with funding from the Harry Bolland Trust Fund and other local donors and fundraising through the LOCAL LOTTO has meant that over £60,000 has been invested this year in local grassroots organisations working to make a difference to the lives of local people.

The Fund comprises donations from organisations and individuals, and dormant trust funds and is managed on behalf of the partnership by Two Ridings Community Foundation, an independent North Yorkshire charity. More information about the Fund is available on the Two Ridings website   

Alongside the fund, THE LOCAL LOTTO provides a fundraising opportunity for local voluntary and community groups, which enables Harrogate residents to support the local organisations they care about most. Money raised through THE LOCAL LOTTO will contribute towards keeping the community sector thriving across the district. THE LOCAL LOTTO is being promoted jointly by the Council and THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District and is being run independently by Lottery Manager Gatherwell.

If you’re interested in supporting local charities and community groups in Harrogate, you can support THE LOCAL FUND by becoming a donor. Please get in touch with the team at Two Ridings Community Foundation by emailing info@tworidingscf.org.uk  

You can also choose to support local charities via THE LOCAL LOTTO, knowing that 60p from every £1 ticket will go directly to the local charity or community group of your choice. Local residents can also choose to support THE LOCAL FUND, and are encouraged to visit THE LOCAL LOTTO website for tickets and further information.  

Further details about The Local Fund for the Harrogate District and how to apply to be a ‘Friend’ can be found here