In this episode, we discuss the importance and positive impact of arts, culture, and heritage across our city and the importance of continued investment in the arts.

We explore the significance of community-based arts, culture, and heritage projects and how the creative sector is an essential part of our economy, social fabric, and identity. 

We’ll be joined by Kat Boon of Leeds 2023 to talk about their year of culture, their vision for the city and the importance of events boosting engagement in culture and the arts, particularly among those who face barriers.  We’ll also be joined by Martin Hamilton, Director at Leeds Civic Trust to talk about their Community Heritage Fund and Kate Singleton, CEO and Tyvin Haque, Project Lead from St Luke’s Cares to talk about their community cinema project in Beeston.

A full transcript of this episode can be found here.

Leeds Community Foundation creates opportunities for all by working with partners to make a positive impact within communities across Leeds and Bradford. We do this by generating and investing philanthropic giving as well as maximising statutory funding to deliver grants and provide trusted expertise to Community Organisations, benefitting thousands of local people. Watch this short film that captures what we do, who we are, and how we're making an impact.


We’re proud to work in a city region that understands and recognises need, and is willing to make a difference. The work we do would not be possible without the commitment of our amazing supporters. If you'd like to discuss how to support our work and help bring about positive change across communities in Leeds, visit our Support Us page to learn more about ways to get involved.

Contact Leeds Community Foundation

• Call us on 0113 242 2426
• Email us at info@leedscf.org.uk
• Tweet us at @LeedsCommFound
• Sign up to our newsletter here

In light of the current economic crisis, charities face greater pressure as they strive to deliver essential services and meet growing demand for the communities they serve. In this episode, we take a look at the effects of the cost of living crisis on local communities, and the ever-increasing demand for philanthropic giving.


We’re joined by Dr. Beth Breeze, Director Centre of Philanthropy, University of Kent, and author of ‘In Defence of Philanthropy’ to explore different types of donors and the benefits of giving.


We’re also joined by Claire Marks, Chair of Trustees for The Bartlett Foundation, a long-term supporter of the Foundation discussing their reasons for giving and their own philanthropic journey.


A full transcript of this podcast can be found here.


Leeds Community Foundation creates opportunities for all by working with partners to make a positive impact within communities across Leeds and Bradford. We do this by generating and investing philanthropic giving as well as maximising statutory funding to deliver grants and provide trusted expertise to Community Organisations, benefitting thousands of local people. Watch this short film that captures what we do, who we are, and how we're making an impact.


We’re proud to work in a city region that understands and recognises need, and is willing to make a difference. The work we do would not be possible without the commitment of our amazing supporters. If you'd like to discuss how to support our work and help bring about positive change across communities in Leeds, visit our Support Us page to learn more about ways to get involved.

Contact Leeds Community Foundation

• Call us on 0113 242 2426
• Email us at info@leedscf.org.uk
• Tweet us at @LeedsCommFound
• Sign up to our newsletter here

In 2018 we partnered with Leeds City Council, Public Health to establish and run the Men’s Suicide Prevention Programme, supporting projects which aims to provide funding for voluntary and community organisations to support social activities for men and to provide outreach work with targeted communities to reduce social isolation. ​

Since 2018 this ground-breaking programme has enabled preventative work with men who are at the highest risk of suicide in Leeds, five times higher than women, and higher than the national average.​  The fund has distributed over £240k in grants, supporting 17 projects and 1,378 men across Leeds.

 These projects ranged from men’s walking groups, a men’s mental fitness group programme to improve resilience, coping strategies and wellbeing to live theatre performances aiming to raise awareness of men’s mental health issues.

In this episode, we’ll be talking about the Men’s Suicide Prevention Programme we’ve managed over the past 3 years.  The main aim of which, is to provide funding for voluntary and community organisations to support social activities for men and to provide outreach work with target communities to reduce social isolation.

In this episode we're joined by Duncan Millard from Humans Being and Cheryl Harrington from Brackenwood Community Association,  two Community Organistions who have been supported through the programme and are working to increase social connections particularly for men who are at greater risk of becoming social isolated.

A full transcript of this podcast can be found here.

If you are going through a tough time or you know someone that may need help, you don't have to face it alone. You can contact Mindwell on 0800 1830558 or on their website here. Alternatively you can get in contact with the Samaritans on 116 123 or drop them any email at jo@samaritans.org.

Leeds Community Foundation distributes vital grants and gives trusted advice to voluntary groups and charities across Leeds to influence positive change.  Driven by creating meaningful social impact for thousands of local people every year.  During 2020/2021 we have distributed £5.8m across Leeds and Bradford.   Watch this short film which captures what we do, who we are, and how we're making an impact.

Learn more about Leeds Community Foundation and subscribe to our newsletter here.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @LeedsCommFound.

Contact Leeds Community Foundation

• Call us on 0113 242 2426
• Email us at info@leedscf.org.uk
• Tweet us at @LeedsCommFound
• Sign up to our newsletter here