UK Community Foundations

Who we are

UKCF (UK Community Foundations) is a national network dedicated to working with local communities through effective place-based philanthropy.  We help people and organisations to invest in local communities where support is most needed and in ways that will make the most impact.  We are one of the largest grant makers in the UK, providing over £70 million each year to community-focused initiatives, collectively managing over 40,000 donor advised funds that benefit people everywhere.

UKCF's membership network consists of 47 community foundations in the UK and 4 international members.  Community foundations collectively cover the whole of the United Kingdom and we have an unparalleled reach into local communities.  Each community foundation has an in-depth understanding of their local area, what the priority issues are and how best to address them.  They are able to direct donors to fund causes they are not only passionate about, but that will make the most difference.

The support community foundations provide to local communities ranges widely from supporting very small groups such as lunch clubs for the elderly, community hubs, employment training and mental health support groups to larger organisations like cancer charities, advisory services and sports clubs.

The positive impact made by philanthropy in local areas is significant - people’s lives are changed by the support given to them.  The difference community foundations are making as a collective, across the whole of the UK, is huge, and UKCF is part of a global network of national and international community foundation networks, working together to learn best practice and make a sustainable difference.  UKCF often connects with networks like European Community Foundations Initiative, the Community Foundations of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, America, and the Global South. 

Working for UKCF means representing a national membership network of passionate people, each doing vital work for the region or country their community foundation serves.  In 2020, UKCF transformed into a fully remote-working organisation and continues to do so suceessfully, with a small dedicated team placed all over the country and opportunities for regular travel.  Three to four times a year the team takes part in development days that consist of visiting local community foundations and coming together for learning and fun team building.  UKCF practices a flexible, supportive workspace that is inclusive to all, where colleagues can develop and thrive while delivering a vital service of support to members, partners and communities throughout the UK.