Two Ridings Community Foundation
Since 2000 we have made thousands of grants totalling over £18 million to local charities and community groups helping them support local people. Our vision is a connected and thriving region for all.
Overview
Total reviews: 26
Median 6 hours
Latest Reviews
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Jul 16, 2021
Funded for lesser amount - applied in 2019
Geographically very precise in criteria. Open to all types of community initiatives.
Pros
Friendly
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for lesser amount
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Average
Currently difficult to access by phone for an informal chat
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Average
Needs to be more proactive in making the community aware of its presence
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Responds quickly after funding decisions have been made.
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Reinstate previous ability to provide small grants at anytime without the need to await a full board meeting.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Two Ridings Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback. The small grants scheme is now up and running, please see the website for details www.tworidingscf.org.uk or drop us a line for more info grants@tworidingscf.org.uk
Jul 15, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2018
Although we got a grant it was possibly the most protracted, difficult application form to complete and at the time it was the smallest amount we had applied for, less than £1k. It was hard work to the point where I wished we had never bothered, but needs must. As a grant making organisation who handle money given by others I avoid them if at all possible. You could never get anyone on a telephone, had no idea where or at what stage the application was at and wondered to others whether or not they wanted to make a grant. They really need to have a hard look at themselves, in fact have a look at the Awards for All application form if they want an example of what an application form for small grants looks like or should look like.
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2018
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Bad
Very poor
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Average
See my response above.
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Pass
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Take a look at the forms that other grant making organisations use and compare them with the obstacle course that is the form which you currently use.
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Bad
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
Be prepared for a long form filling, box ticking exercise
Reply from Two Ridings Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback, we are very sorry that we have fallen short and will certainly have a look at our forms to see if we can simplify processes especially for smaller grants. If you would like to offer more information, we would be very grateful and can be emailed on grants@tworidingscf.org.uk
Jul 15, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
Do not be hesitant to request funding
Pros
Positive leader in the field
Culturally sensitive
Builds relationships
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
Email communication was excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
The individual I have apply the grant for has helped enormously in order to him a replacement photo ID. Photo ID is essential so provides a foundation to move forward
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
The funder met expectations and had a clear framework
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Not sure I can provide advise because as I say exceeded expectations
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
The experience was extremely positive
Reply from Two Ridings Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback, it's great to hear that we exceeded your expectations!
Jul 15, 2021
applied in 2019
Make sure the request can not be confused with funding for statutory work or work that funders deem should be statutory
Pros
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Applied and not funded
If you were funded tell us the outcome
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Very good for smaller organisations - we are not usually eligible
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Newsletters/case studies about their funding
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Be clear which grants can be accessed by larger organisations
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Reply from Two Ridings Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback, unfortunately we cannot provide grants for work which is deemed to be a statutory responsibility, we will have a look at our guidance to try and improve clarity around applications from larger organisations.
Jul 15, 2021
Funded for amount requested - applied in 2019
Read through the whole application first so that you know exactly what you are going to be asked about. Have a clear plan as to exactly what you need funding for (specific core costs or project costs, equipment etc). Imagine that the potential funders know nothing about you and they are dealing with a great many applications - make them interested in you!
Pros
Gives more than money
Culturally sensitive
Insightful
Friendly
Builds relationships
Likes site visits
Understands nonprofits and issues
Openminded
Responsive
Cons
Pros
Cons
What is your relationship with the funder for this experience?
Current or former grantee
If you were funded tell us the outcome
Funded for amount requested
What year was this experience?
2019
How would you rate this funder's accessibility?
Excellent
How successfully do you think this funder is accomplishing its goals as a funder?
Excellent
Two Ridings are amazing! They send you so much information about funding possibilities so that you know exactly what's on offer in your area and how to access it
Tell us one thing that this funder does really well
Support applicants throughout the application process and take the trouble to get to know applicants personally
If you had one piece of advice to give to this funder (about grantmaking or anything else), what would it be?
Keep up the great work!
How was your relationship overall with the funder?
Excellent
Is there anything else that's be useful for others to know to understand this funder?
They are approachable - approach them!
Reply from Two Ridings Community Foundation
Mar 22, 2023
Thank you for your feedback, we are really pleased that you are finding our newsletter useful and staff friendly and approachable.