Monthly Grants: helping marginalised communities to thrive

See some of the latest projects we’re supporting through our Community Impact and Building Improvement grant programmes:

Community Impact Grants

YMCA Swansea

YMCA Swansea creates safe environments for young people who are often left behind by wider society, giving them hope and confidence for the future. As part of the charity’s work, it provides a specialist LGBTQ+ youth service in Swansea and the surrounding areas, creating a space for young people to express themselves, seek support, and develop essential life skills. This service has evolved over the years and is now supporting over 6,500 young people a year.

As demand for the service continues to grow, YMCA is expanding its reach beyond Swansea and into other areas of Wales where LGBTQ+ young people need support, particularly in rural communities. This will include enhancing YMCA’s online provision to reach young people who are extremely isolated.

With the support of funding from the Welsh Government, YMCA Swansea is employing two specialist youth workers to help grow its work. A Benefact Trust Community Impact Grant of £10,000 will support employment of specialist staff to help even more young people to thrive.

Manchester Pentecostal Church

Greater Manchester is a highly diverse region of the UK with an increasing need for cross-cultural understanding and community cohesion. Manchester Pentecostal is helping churches with largely Indian and Pakistani congregations to engage meaningfully with English speaking communities, to help reduce cultural and social isolation. 

A £5,600 Community Impact Grant will help Manchester Pentecostal to equip church communities with training, seminars, and outreach initiatives to connect more effectively with English communities.

Faith Oasis Assemblies of God Church, Nottingham

Nottingham is a city facing increasing challenges related to youth crime, including gang involvement, drug abuse, and antisocial behaviour. Local schools have reported an increase in violence and behavioural problems among students, and youth services are overstretched.

Faith Oasis Assemblies of God Church is committed to making a difference in the community, which faces challenges such as high levels and unemployment and social exclusion. With the backing of local police and community organisations the church will run a project consisting of outreach programmes, mentoring and life skills workshops, partnership events, and digital outreach to give young people access to the resources they need.

A £6,500 Community Impact Grant will help to fund and equip a youth worker to coordinate and deliver this impactful project.

Building Improvement Grants

All Saints Church Toftrees, Norfolk

All Saints Church was restored in the 13th Century on an original Saxon site. It houses what has been described as one of the finest Norman fonts in Europe, attracting visitors from across the world. 

Sadly, the fabric of the church is deteriorating significantly and the ancient church has been placed on the ‘Heritage at Risk Register’. 

A £7,100 Building Improvement Grant will help to make urgent repairs to this historic gem and secure its future.

The Dunfield Charity, Chesterfield

Dunfield House has over 400 years of history, starting from the reign of Charles 1st to present day. From inquisitions to wedding feasts in its early days, it is now a hub for education, community events, meetings, and worship. It is an essential community resource and a historic landmark, but it is currently facing serious challenges due to its deteriorating roof.

A £6,500 Building Improvement Grant will help to make vital roof repairs so that it can continue to function as a much-loved community retreat.