Suffolk Community Foundation

Suffolk Community Foundation, established in 2005 as one of the UK's 47 community foundations and the largest independent grant-maker to Suffolk's voluntary sector, connects donors with local causes to strengthen communities and increase charitable giving. Its mission is to resource charities, enabling all Suffolk communities to thrive through safe, expert philanthropy, with core values of passion, approachability, collaboration, and trustworthiness. Distinctive as a philanthropic hub with an invested endowment, it champions grassroots to established groups, builds long-term relationships, and responds to local needs via deep stakeholder engagement and data-driven priorities.

It funds broad initiatives tackling disadvantage and improving lives, including mental health, physical health, education, economic hardship, rural isolation, migrants/minorities, disability, arts/culture, environment, animal welfare, and community resilience. Specialist funds target women/girls, cancer screening, youth sports in deprived areas, illness/disability care, food/fuel poverty (e.g., Surviving Winter), and digital inclusion. Beneficiaries encompass children, youth, older people, financially/socially excluded individuals, and those with illness/disability; supported activities include outreach, crisis prevention, advocacy, volunteer programs, inclusion, and capacity-building, aiming for wellbeing, equality, and resilient communities—evidenced by over £46m in 11,700+ grants to 3,300+ charities.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CICs, community groups, or social enterprises based in or serving Suffolk exclusively, with preference for small-to-medium organizations showing strong governance and impact; no strict income limits. Typical grants range £2,000–£5,000 (up to £25,000 for select funds), via rolling online General Application Form (decisions in ~12 weeks; up to 6 apps/year, one per fund/12 months). Named funds have deadlines (check website). Excludes individuals (except referrals), statutory/religious activities, regranting, non-charitable purposes, or non-Suffolk work. Uniquely rooted in local expertise, it convenes donors, advocates for the sector, and adapts to emerging challenges like health inequalities and rural hardship.