Community Foundation Network

Community Foundation Network. The Community Foundation Network is a membership organization that supports and connects community foundations across the United Kingdom, including the London Community Foundation, Tyne and Wear Community Foundation, and Quartet Community Foundation. It works closely with UK Community Foundations, Association of Charitable Foundations, and Charities Aid Foundation to promote philanthropy and community development. The network's efforts are also aligned with the goals of the Big Lottery Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Introduction

The Community Foundation Network plays a vital role in promoting philanthropy and community development in the United Kingdom, working with organizations such as the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, and City Bridge Trust. Its members, including the Community Foundation for Lancashire, Community Foundation for Merseyside, and Community Foundation for Surrey, provide grantmaking services and support to local communities, often in partnership with local authorities like Greater London Authority and Manchester City Council. The network also collaborates with independent schools like Eton College and Harrogate Ladies' College to promote corporate social responsibility and community engagement. Additionally, it works with universities such as University of Oxford and University of Cambridge to advance research and knowledge sharing in the field of philanthropy.

History

The Community Foundation Network was established in the 1990s with the support of the National Lottery Charities Board, now known as the National Lottery Community Fund, and the Home Office. Its early development was influenced by the work of community foundations in the United States, such as the New York Community Trust and the Boston Foundation. The network's growth was also shaped by the UK government's policies on philanthropy and civil society, including the Charities Act 2006 and the Big Society initiative launched by Prime Minister David Cameron. Key figures like Lord Nat Wei and Baroness Jill Pitkeathley have played important roles in shaping the network's direction and advocating for its causes, often in collaboration with organizations like the Institute of Fundraising and the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Structure_and_Operations

The Community Foundation Network is a membership organization that provides support and services to its member community foundations, including the Leeds Community Foundation and the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation. Its board of trustees includes representatives from member foundations, as well as independent experts like Sir Stuart Etherington and Dame Mary Marsh. The network's staff team is led by a chief executive and includes specialists in grantmaking, communications, and membership development, often working in partnership with organizations like the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations and the Institute of Directors. The network also has a regional structure, with regional managers working with member foundations in different parts of the United Kingdom, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Grantmaking_and_Programs

The Community Foundation Network supports a wide range of grantmaking programs and initiatives, often in partnership with trusts and foundations like the Wellcome Trust and the Nuffield Foundation. Its members provide grants to local charities and community groups, such as the British Red Cross and the Royal Voluntary Service, and also support social enterprises like The Big Issue and Divine Chocolate. The network also promotes strategic philanthropy and impact investing, working with organizations like the Social Impact Investment Alliance and the Global Impact Investing Network. Additionally, it supports research and evaluation initiatives, often in collaboration with universities like the London School of Economics and the University of Edinburgh.

Membership_and_Partnerships

The Community Foundation Network has a diverse membership of over 50 community foundations across the United Kingdom, including the Birmingham Community Foundation and the Glasgow Community Foundation. Its members work with a wide range of partners, including local authorities like the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and local businesses like the Co-operative Group. The network also collaborates with national organizations like the NCVO and the Charity Finance Group, and is a member of the European Foundation Centre and the Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support. Key partnerships include those with the BBC Children in Need and the Disaster Emergency Committee, as well as with independent funders like the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Wolfson Foundation.

Impact_and_Evaluation

The Community Foundation Network has a significant impact on community development and philanthropy in the United Kingdom, working with organizations like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to promote social change and community engagement. Its members have distributed millions of pounds in grants to local charities and community groups, supporting initiatives like the National Citizen Service and the #iwill campaign. The network also promotes evaluation and research to improve the effectiveness of grantmaking and community development initiatives, often in collaboration with think tanks like the New Philanthropy Capital and the Centre for Social Justice. Additionally, it supports policy development and advocacy work, working with organizations like the Institute for Public Policy Research and the Fabian Society to promote social justice and human rights. Category:Philanthropy