Giving back to their roots: Community Foundation

“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”

Philanthropy, as summed up by philosopher William James, has long been a cornerstone of charitable giving, the desire of generous people to give back to their community.

The Community Foundation has philanthropy at its very heart, working with generous individuals, families and businesses to direct donations to deserving people, places and organisations around the North East.

Formed 35 years ago, the Community Foundation has links with charities across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, providing consistent support through a successful endowment model, which sees its invested assets stand at almost £100 million.

Last year, the foundation awarded £8.4 million in grants to more than 600 organisations across the region, often focusing on smaller charities and grassroots community organisations.

John Hollingsworth, the foundation’s chief philanthropy officer, says the organisation carries out in-depth research to ensure funds are targeted most effectively, with its Vital Signs report published every few years.

He says: “The endowment model we operate provides a degree of stability for local organisations – it’s a sustainable source of support for the region. “We support all kinds of different causes because it’s often led by the particular interests of each donor.

 

• John Hollingsworth, chief philanthropy officer

 

“Wherever possible, we want to work with a donor to understand their charitable aims and help them deliver that ambition.

“Our team has unrivalled expertise and experience across the region as to where different organisations are having a particular impact, so whatever a donor’s interest – young people or the environment, for example – we can get them linked in with the organisation that can best suit.”

Historically, donors have been based within the region, but a new funding initiative, dubbed North East Roots, aims to attract new donors with links to the region that have gone on to find success elsewhere.

North East Roots will have a focus on social mobility for young people and encourage those taking part to give their professional expertise to support the development of projects in the region.

Among the early supporters is Magnus Willis, who was born in Newcastle and has been involved with the Community Foundation for many years through a fund set up by his father Peter.

Despite living in London for 35 years, Magnus still has strong links to the North East.

He says: “The North East Roots Fund is great for people who have left the region who may want to give something back to the area but don’t know how to go about that.

“The team at the foundation know what the region needs and the people that can deliver it – it’s a neat logic.

“When you are far away, you are understandably less sure that you’re doing the right thing, but the Community Foundation will listen to what you want to achieve and help you direct that in the best way possible.”

John adds: “We believe there’s a lot of people out there who have strong connections to the region but would benefit from a vehicle such as ours to give back financially, or in kind with time and expertise.

“We can help people to enjoy the fun and fulfilling part of charitable giving, where you’re fully involved in making decisions about where your money goes, with far less of the admin and hassle that comes with managing an independent trust or foundation.”

A new donor to the Community Foundation through North East Roots is Sunderland-born Steve Wooler, who left at 18 for university and built a successful career in engineering consulting.

Backed by his business BWB Consulting, which specialises in urban redevelopment projects, Steve is keen to offer his time, as well as financial donations, to worthy causes.

He says: “I want to help the region fulfil its potential.

“Sunderland, in particular, is going through a renaissance; I’m so pleased to see the investment there and long may it continue.

“If Sunderland, Newcastle and the rest of the region can put its parochial fights to one side and come together, there’s a very clear story to tell investors, and that’s where I think I can put my experience to good use.

“Instead of being a lone voice whistling in the wind, being part of North East Roots provides a vehicle for making a difference in whatever way you choose, working directly with local community groups and charities.”

John adds: “Expats want to see the region be more competitive, and see young people have the opportunities that we had as young people ourselves.

“There is a very clear purpose and reason behind the foundation being as focused as it can be on social mobility.

“I hope that will be a unifying theme for expats who care about the region.”

 

Pictured above, left – right: John Hollingsworth, Su Legg, Michelle Hardie, Lisa Cappleman, Ross Wilson and Elaine Holdsworth