About Us

Established in 2005, Suffolk Community Foundation (SCF) is a registered charity and part of a national family of 47 community foundations across the UK.

We are the largest grantmaker to the voluntary sector in Suffolk. We work closely with key stakeholders to increase understanding of need and raise essential funds to support local charities and community groups.

In partnership with Suffolk, we seek to rebuild local lives in a compassionate, respectful and sustainable way. We do not compete with other local charities, but instead act as a philanthropic hub to channel funds directly to them.

The Wider Network

Suffolk Community Foundation is governed by UK Community Foundations. Find out more about our wider network on the Community Foundation’s website here

Our Vision

To help make Suffolk a better place for all

Our Priority

To reach those in most need by combining robust evidence with local service delivery.

Our Mission

To change local lives by connecting causes that matter with people who care.

Our Values

Be compassionate and fair in our purpose.
Be professional and independent in all our relationships.
Be open and clear in our communications.

Giving

We work with private individuals, businesses, the public sector and national trusts and foundations to deliver new funding to address local need. Currently, we manage over 80 flow through and endowment funds. Over the past year, we have awarded 884 grants worth £4.92M to local causes.

Find out more about creating an endowment or flow-through fund here.

Deeply connected to our local communities, we encourage the general public to give to central local appeals, including the Suffolk Coronavirus Community Fund and the Surviving Winter Appeal.

We also seek to inspire local people to undertake grassroots fundraising in support of our work. To find out more, click here. 

Grantmaking

We work closely with charities and community groups that are addressing Suffolk’s Hidden Needs. Together, we ensure that their projects receive the vital funding that allows them to continue their important work.

Over the last 15 years, we have continued to build an excellent depth of understanding that is delivering a positive impact to the lives of people in Suffolk. 

If you are a charity or community group seeking funding for local projects, find out more about funding opportunities here.

How we achieve our vision

Providing open and accessible grant funding to smaller and medium sized charities, voluntary and community groups, and social enterprises, who deliver essential services to our county but who often struggle to compete against larger organisations in a competitive funding environment.

Helping individuals, families, businesses, public sector organisations and existing trusts achieve their philanthropic, social responsibility or strategic grantmaking objectives.

Building and managing community assets to provide revenue for sustainable grantmaking.

Raising awareness of local needs and the ways in which people can work together to improve and enhance the quality of local life.

Sharing knowledge, evidence and research to help address local issues.

JOIN OUR TEAM

We are a small, progressive team, passionate about helping people in Suffolk and dedicated to promoting the work of Suffolk’s charities and voluntary sector.

See our latest job vacancies 

Volunteers

We rely on a team of volunteers to help us make Suffolk a better place for all and if you are interested in giving a little or a lot of your time, we would love to hear from you.

In the first instance, please contact our Director of Finance and Operations, Sarah Cossey, for an informal chat.
T. 01473 602 602
E. [email protected]

You may already know someone who works with us…

Donors and Sponsors

We have many donors and sponsors who make a significant contribution to the Foundation, and our heartfelt thanks are extended to those who continue to work with us to make Suffolk a better place for all.

Trustees, Patrons and Volunteers

We would like to once again thank our volunteers, grants panels, donors, supporters and staff who have so generously contributed to the work of Suffolk Community  Foundation over the past year.