Ridley Family Charity

The charity funds community-led projects that benefit residents of South East Northumberland. It supports work with a broad range of beneficiaries, including children under 16, young people under 25, older people over 55, disabled people, people of minority ethnic origin, and women. The focus is on initiatives that build social cohesion, improve quality of life, and address local needs. This can include youth activities, support for older people, services for disabled individuals, and projects that promote inclusion and wellbeing for ethnic minority communities and women. All funded work must take place within South East Northumberland and be rooted in the local community.

Registered charities and community groups that are based and operating mainly, but not exclusively, within South East Northumberland are eligible to apply. The charity prioritises organisations that work with the beneficiary groups listed above, including children, young people, older people, disabled people, ethnic minority communities, and women. It welcomes applications from grassroots groups that are deeply embedded in the local area and can demonstrate a community-led approach. There is no religious restriction, and the charity is open to a wide range of voluntary and community organisations as long as they meet the geographic and beneficiary criteria.

The charity does not typically fund national charities or work that operates outside South East Northumberland. It prefers to support local grassroots organisations rather than large-scale or national bodies. Projects that are not community-led or do not directly address the needs of residents in South East Northumberland are unlikely to be considered. The charity also does not fund work that falls outside its stated beneficiary groups or geographic focus.

The Ridley Family Charity welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. As a family foundation with a hands-on approach, it values continuity and long-term relationships with the groups it supports. The charity is committed to a flexible and responsive funding style, focusing on the needs of the community. It operates through a straightforward application process, reviewing proposals on their merits and alignment with the foundation's mission.