Woodsmith Foundation Limited

Woodsmith Foundation Limited, established in 2012 as the York Potash Foundation and now funded by Anglo American via a unique 0.5% revenue share from the Woodsmith Mine over 100 years, is an independent grantmaking charity dedicated to enhancing quality of life in the Boroughs of Scarborough and Redcar & Cleveland, and the North York Moors National Park. Its mission emphasizes sustainable, community-led improvements beyond the mine's economic impact, guided by values of flexibility, partnership, inclusivity, and long-term stewardship, with governance blending local leaders, civil society, and corporate oversight for accountable, place-based funding.

The Foundation supports broad thematic priorities including education and skills training (e.g., Achieve programme), health and well-being, environmental protection and landscape enhancement, social welfare, leisure facilities, and community cohesion. It prioritizes tackling disadvantage for young people, long-term unemployed, deprived rural/coastal communities, and those affected by the mine, funding activities like youth development, equipment for groups, sports access, small capital works (e.g., village halls), capacity building, seed ideas, and some core costs.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, and social enterprises based strictly within the defined areas, with preference for smaller, grassroots, or first-time local organizations—no strict income limits, though national charities need match-funding and local ties. Typical Community Grants range £200–£10,000; Young and Talented up to £1,500 for individuals; larger strategic projects via Expressions of Interest (up to £400,000 pot). Applications use online forms for quarterly Community rounds (next deadline 26 March 2025, then July/November; one per 12 months), email for EOI, or phone/email for individuals. It excludes statutory education, pure equipment/minibus buys, and capital without secure community leases, standing out for its perpetual funding model, relationship-driven process with feedback for all, and proactive local engagement.