One Community Foundation Limited

The foundation supports a broad mix of causes across Kirklees, including mental health, homelessness prevention, food insecurity, youth services, elderly care and cultural activities. Grants can cover core costs, project delivery, salaries, equipment, events and rent, with some programmes also supporting capital works. An environmental strand tackles climate change and biodiversity through projects such as energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy generation and the creation or management of green spaces. The Bright Green Community Trust Fund focuses on carbon reduction projects in the Holme Valley, while the Crisis and Resilience Fund helps local services collaborate so residents can access help more quickly and consistently. All funded work is rooted in the Kirklees district, with the Holme Valley programme serving its own local communities.

Eligible applicants include registered charities, voluntary and community groups, faith groups, schools, community interest companies, community amateur sports clubs, social enterprises and community benefit societies. Organisations must be based and working in Kirklees, apart from the Holme Valley-specific fund, which serves that area. Individuals cannot apply. The foundation gives priority to local, grassroots groups and VCSE organisations, particularly those led by people closest to the needs they address, valuing lived experience and community leadership.

They do not support party political activity, the promotion of religion, or work that replaces statutory funding. Retrospective activity — projects that have already been paid for or started — is not funded. Groups that have failed to meet previous monitoring requirements, or that predominantly support animals, are excluded, as are charities with qualified accounts, those under Charity Commission investigation, or those with an active warning on the Charity Commission website.

One Community Foundation funds single-year grants rather than multi-year commitments. They support both core costs and project delivery, and in some programmes capital works or equipment. The foundation welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible organisations, favouring community-led initiatives that focus on prevention and capacity building. Their local, place-based approach means they work closely with grassroots groups across Kirklees and the Holme Valley.