Leeds Community Foundation is a charitable organisation that distributes grants and provides guidance to community organisations in Leeds and Bradford, aiming to create a fairer society for all. They faced challenges in clearly differentiating its identity from the Leeds Fund, making it difficult to position its offerings and attract diverse donor groups. Additionally, it struggled with articulating the value of unrestricted funds, addressing economic and political constraints on fundraising, and expanding its reach and engagement within local communities.
We defined the distinct missions of Leeds Community Foundation and the Leeds Fund, ensuring clarity in their roles to better target fundraising efforts and audience engagement. The team focused on improving narratives to resonate with specific donor groups, emphasising accessibility and the power of collective giving. Tools such as “Magic and Baggage” were used to evaluate strengths and identify areas for improvement in fundraising and community engagement. We also reviewed the structure of existing funds to assess their fitness for purpose and explored new strategies to maximise their effectiveness. Clear measures for progress were established, including increased grant distribution, greater donor participation, and enhanced community impact.
