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Reflecting on a Year of Impact: Our Grant Making in 2024/25
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Grants
People supported in our communities
As we close the financial year, we are proud to reflect on the impact of our grant-making efforts across Lancashire and Merseyside.
Throughout the year, we have managed a blend of existing funds while forging new partnerships to establish additional grant programmes. These efforts have expanded opportunities for small charities and community groups to access much-needed funding, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening Merseyside’s voluntary sector.
New and Growing Partnerships
Our longstanding partnership with Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation reached a milestone 15 years of giving, with over £1.1 million distributed to date. To mark the occasion, we produced a six-minute video and social media reel, featuring Jamie visiting local community groups to witness firsthand the impact of his foundation’s support. In response to community need, 23 Foundation expanded its criteria last year to include food provision, distributing over £76,000 through two dedicated funding rounds.
We are grateful to our existing donors, Blue Sky Foundation and Football for Change, who provided match funding to support the Care Leavers Project 2024/25, in collaboration with UK Community Foundations, CCLA and the Local Authorities Mutual Investment Trust (LAMIT). This programme, in partnership with Liverpool City Council Care Leaving Team, addresses the challenges young people face when transitioning from care to independence, offering financial and practical support to help them secure safe accommodation, access education and employment, and achieve overall well-being. The fund distributed nearly £100,000 to individuals leaving care.
In partnership with the Police Crime Commissioner for Merseyside (PCC) and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP), we merged two funds—the Youth Diversionary Fund and the Violence Reduction Partnership Fund—to create the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES). This streamlined programme increases the impact of funding while simplifying the application process for community organisations. Delivered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, YES supports projects that provide arts, culture, and sports-based diversionary activities for young people under 25 who may be vulnerable to violence, exploitation, or anti-social behaviour due to personal or environmental factors.
We worked in partnership with The Mayor of Halton, Kevan Wainwright, to support fundraising activities and events. All proceeds supported the Halton Foundation, funding bursaries for young people facing barriers to higher education or apprenticeships.
Supporting Local Communities
Our work with partners including the MJ Bibby Fund, BHP Billiton Fund, Football For Change Foundation, High Sheriff and Merseyside Charitable Fund, Merseyside Police Community Cashback, Alfred Shaw Trust Fund, Hill Dickinson Foundation, Southport Strong Together Appeal, 23 Foundation, The LF Foundation, John Goore, Medicash, Ann and Ray Messer Foundation, Big Local, Leahy Foundation, 1892 Foundation, The ACC Liverpool Group Foundation, Mark McQueen Memorial Fund, The FPC Foundation, Sefton Education & Learning Fund, Sefton MBC Educational Trust Fund, Bernie Fleming ALCF, Liverpool ONE Foundation, The Windle United Fund, St Christopher’s Trust, The FredMill Trust, Roy & Louise Rossiter Foundation, Blue Sky Foundation, Joseph Harley Fund, Halton Foundation and Olivia Rae Foundation continued this year. Their generosity has allowed us to invest in and support a diverse range of community groups across Merseyside.
“We are incredibly proud of the difference our grant-making has made this year. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the strength of our partnerships, we have been able to direct funding to where it is most needed, supporting thousands of people across Merseyside. Looking ahead, we remain committed to growing our endowment, developing new funding opportunities, and ensuring that our support for local charities and community organisations continues for generations to come. A heartfelt thank you to our donors, partners, and the dedicated local organisations whose work changes lives for the better every day.”
Rae Brooke, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Merseyside
Stay connected with us for updates on our grant programmes and how you can help support Merseyside’s communities.