Ten grassroots organisations across Hull have been awarded grants from The Randal Foundation through Two Ridings Community Foundation.
A total of £30,000 has been shared in this first round of grants, helping local groups continue the everyday work that keeps communities strong. The support is already making a difference, helping Solidarity Hull keep its food bank open, supporting aScEND as they create a warm and inclusive new café space, and enabling Teremok to run creative learning sessions for children from Eastern European families.
The funding is also helping groups that bring people together in different ways. LEVELS is strengthening its friendly women’s sessions, East Yorkshire Community Hub is expanding its gentle activity and social support programme, and Cosmo Community CIC is building a volunteer befriending network on the Thornton Estate.
Meanwhile, Safe and Healthy Youth (SHY) CIC is offering creative wellbeing sessions for young people, The Lampstand Group is supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse through trauma‑informed creative activities, and Doreen’s Hull is developing its first charity shop to support families in crisis.
Even local green spaces are benefiting, with The Friends of Alderman Kneeshaw Park using their grant to strengthen their volunteer base and future plans.
Jennifer Hebert from The Lampstand Group, shared the difference the grant will make: “The grant from The Randal Foundation will enable Grace and Glitter to welcome and train new volunteers, including people with lived experience of domestic abuse. This will help us grow sustainably, plan for the future, and continue creating safe, supportive spaces where women can rebuild confidence, find connection, and feel valued. We want our community to feel part of this work and to have more opportunities to get involved in bringing hope and dignity to people with lived experience of domestic abuse.”
The Randal Foundation’s mission, to improve the lives of one million people in the UK and beyond, sits closely alongside Two Ridings’ belief in the power of small, local groups to make a big difference.
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, Chairman of The Randal Foundation, stated: “We are proud to support Two Ridings Community Foundation and the meaningful work they undertake with grassroots charities across Hull. Their deep local knowledge and strong community relationships enable them to identify community-led organisations with the real ability to improve lives.
“Together we are creating long-term change across Hull, helping individuals and families thrive and building stronger communities for the future.”
These small, flexible grants are designed for the groups closest to the ground. Those who know their neighbours, understand their community’s strengths and act quickly to help hope take root and significantly improve lives.
Two Ridings Chief Executive, Celia McKeon, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with The Randal Foundation, and ensuring vital funds are directed to where they will make a tangible difference to people and communities in Hull. We know from experience that grassroots groups are a lifeline for many, changing people’s lives on a daily basis through their support, creativity and care.”
This is only the beginning of the partnership between Two Ridings Community Foundation and The Randal Foundation. Over the coming months, more stories will be shared from the people and communities benefiting from this support.