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A Month of Impact: May Highlights from Community Foundation for Merseyside
At the Community Foundation for Merseyside, our mission is to connect people who care with causes that matter, and May has been a month full of meaningful moments, strong partnerships, and community-driven impact. From inspiring galas to grassroots gatherings, here’s a look at where our team has been and, the initiatives we’ve supported.
Alfie’s Squad Fundraising Dinner at Hope Street Hotel
We were honoured to support Alfie’s Squad at their fundraising event, which raised over £17,000 to continue their work supporting young people affected by suicide. Since 2022, we’ve awarded over £37,000 into Alfie’s Squad through donor-backed funds including the Hill Dickinson Foundation, Evelyn Partners Fund, Liverpool ONE Foundation, and The FPC Foundation. The evening was more than a fundraiser, it was a powerful reminder of what happens when community, compassion, and purpose come together.
Merseyside Women of the Year (MWOTY) Judging Event
Our Deputy CEO and Development Director, Karen Morris, joined the judging panel for Merseyside Women of the Year, helping celebrate and uplift women who are leading positive change across the region. The event continues to shine a spotlight on the power of female voices in community spaces.
Welcoming the New High Sheriff of Merseyside
It was a pleasure to host the new High Sheriff of Merseyside at our Liverpool HQ, Billy Hui, alongside Dr Ruth Hussey CB, OBE, DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant. Our team, including Programme Manager David Costelloe, Deputy CEO Karen Morris, and Programmes Director James Proctor, discussed the strategy for this year High Sheriff and Merseyside Police Charitable Fund. With Arts and Culture as the theme for his year, we’re excited to work alongside Billy to celebrate creativity and make a positive impact across the region.
CISI Liverpool Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony
We joined the FPC team at the CISI Liverpool Gala Dinner.. Karen Morris and Juliet Knight represented the Community Foundation for Merseyside, enjoying inspiring conversations with friends from FPC, Brabners, and others, while learning about the fantastic work of Woolton Community CIC, which addresses loneliness through befriending programmes.
Southport Strong Together Workshop with Sefton CVS
Our Programmes Director James Proctor attended the Social Signature workshop led by Dr Peter Hawkins of the Windmills Foundation , which brought together recipients of the £70,000 Small Grants Programme, supported through the Southport Strong Together Appeal. This fund, launched in response to the tragic events of July 2024, has raised funds in partnership with Sefton Council for Voluntary Service and Sefton Council, to support families and strengthen grassroots recovery efforts in Southport. The workshop inspired reflection, collaboration, and connection among changemakers.
Visit to Evolving Mindset CIC
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we spotlighted Evolving Mindset CIC, a grassroots group transforming mental health care through lived experience and peer-led programmes. Founded in 2019 by brothers Phil and Andy Noon, Evolving Mindset has grown into an award-winning organisation supporting thousands annually. With over £149,000 in funding from our donor-backed programmes, including the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, Liverpool ONE Foundation, and Mark McQueen Memorial Fund, their reach now includes targeted sessions for young people, men, women, and jobseekers.
Lord Mayor’s Dinner at Liverpool Town Hall
Our CEO Rae Brooke joined Cllr Richard Kemp CBE, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, and Emma de Closset, CEO of UK Community Foundations, to discuss the ongoing impact of the Care Leavers Programme. Delivered in partnership with CCLA Investment Management, Blue Sky Foundation, Football for Change, and Liverpool City Council, the programme provides essential support for young people transitioning out of care.
Cheshire Community Foundation Visit
This month we welcomed Tracey Andrews and Iona Moxon from the Cheshire Community Foundation to our Liverpool office. The visit sparked rich conversations between our teams about regional priorities, shared goals, and the importance of collaborative learning in the community foundation sector. Together, we’re stronger, and more equipped to deliver place-based solutions that change lives.
Women’s Football Awards 2025
This month we also celebrated women in sport at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards. Hosted by Gabby Logan MBE and Jamie Carragher, the evening brought together Europe’s most talented women to celebrate outstand achievements in women’s football. With shared connections through Football for Change, we continue to champion the role of sport in uniting and uplifting communities, especially among young people.
Looking Ahead
As we move through 2025, the Community Foundation for Merseyside remains committed to championing local heroes, empowering communities, and building bridges between generous donors and the vital organisations they support.
Every event, every conversation, and every connection remind us of the strength that exists across our region, and the role we all play in shaping a kinder, safer, and more resilient Merseyside.