Nick Babb

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Harry Styles

American Girls

Listen Live Podcasts

Funding available to help rural community groups grow stronger and work smarter

Thursday, 4 December 2025 10:43

Share Skipton hired a new Volunteer Coordinator to develop their servied. Now, Community groups across North Yorkshire are being invited to apply for an Organisational Development Grant from Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Unlike funding for projects or activities, this grant supports groups to strengthen how they work—improving systems, governance, leadership, and long-term sustainability.

The fund is open to groups tackling local priorities such as poverty, health and wellbeing, isolation, community cohesion, inequalities, or economic development.

Successful applicants will show how the grant will make a lasting difference, whether by boosting organisational capacity, developing leadership, securing financial stability, or building stronger partnerships.

Previous grants have made a real impact in Skipton.

For example, Share Skipton hired a Volunteer Coordinator who recruited more volunteers, developed mentoring and training systems, and built a stronger, inclusive volunteer culture.

“It’s inspiring to see people come together with a shared purpose,”

said the coordinator.

The grant can support a wide range of organisational improvements, including:

Business planning and income diversification
Leadership or trustee development
Systems to monitor and measure impact
Fundraising strategy development
Marketing and communications
New ways to generate income
Software or tools to improve efficiency
Exploring collaboration or shared services

This is a chance for community groups to build stronger foundations and ensure they can continue delivering vital support for years to come.

Applications are now open with a deadline of 12 noon on Wednesday 14th January 2026

For an informal chat about this funding, call the Grants team at Two Ridings on 01904 929500

Groups ready to work differently and strengthen their future are encouraged to apply.

More from Local news

Yarndale announces winner of 2026 Start Up Bursary

Yarndale has announced the recipient of its 2026 Start Up Bursary ahead of the popular yarn festival's return to Skipton next month.
Polling station changes proposed in Skipton

Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith is encouraging residents to have their say on proposed changes to polling arrangements across North Yorkshire.
Silsden hair and beauty business celebrates expansion

A Silsden hair and beauty business has expanded into new premises following the transformation of a building opposite its original salon.
Strong A Level performance celebrated by county’s schools

Students across North Yorkshire are celebrating after receiving their A Level, BTEC and T Level results today (Thursday).
Main section of A59 Kex Gill route set to open 'within weeks'

The main section of the new A59 Kex Gill route between Harrogate and Skipton is set to open within weeks.
Successful launch for Craven Court's new independent bookshop

A new independent bookshop has celebrated a successful first week in Skipton town centre.
Free family music workshops coming to Skipton this weekend

Families are being invited to take part in a series of free music workshops in Skipton this weekend.
Skipton streets targeted in £27,500 chewing gum clean-up

Busy areas of Skipton are set to receive a chewing gum clean-up after North Yorkshire Council secured £27,500 in new funding.
Police invite residents' views on Skipton Bus Station

Police are inviting residents to have their say on anti-social behaviour at Skipton Bus Station.
Rise in number of children in care contributes to Council's £10m overspend forecast

Costs due to a rise in the number of children in care has contributed to North Yorkshire Council forecasting a £10m overspend for the financial year.
Skipton coffee company celebrates top Great Taste award

Skipton-based Coffee Care is celebrating after receiving a coveted three-star Great Taste award for the third time.
Teenagers sentenced after terrifying knife-point robbery in Skipton

Two Keighley teenagers have been handed suspended prison sentences after luring a classmate to a Skipton park before threatening him with a knife, beating him and stealing more than £800.
North Yorkshire schools set for £6.8m improvement programme

School buildings across North Yorkshire could benefit from a £6.8 million programme of improvements as the council looks to tackle a growing backlog of repairs.
Skipton Business Awards finalists revealed after more than 1,200 nominations

Skipton BID has announced this year's Business Awards finalists after more than 1,200 nominations.
Yorkshire children invited to nominate their parents to be 'slimed' on CBBC

Children across Yorkshire are being invited to nominate an adult in their life to be covered in slime live on CBBC.
Fresh calls for school transport changes to be abandoned amid claim council is ignoring own policy

North Yorkshire Council is facing fresh calls to abandon its controversial new home-to-school policy after it emerged that the authority was not following its own rules on how to assess eligibility.
Funding agreed to progress work on Skipton leisure hub redevelopments

North Yorkshire Council has approved the release of £360,000 to progress plans redevelop two leisure centres.
Community rallies to help elderly driver find 'missing' car in Skipton

The Skipton community has been thanked for rallying together to help an elderly driver find his car after he forgot where he had parked it.
Dales Dazzler trail running event returns to Skipton

Runners are set to take on some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most scenic trails when the Punk Panther Dales Dazzler returns to Skipton later this month.
Everything you need to know about Skipton Pride this weekend

Skipton Pride returns tomorrow (Saturday 8th August) for a day of live music, drag performances and family-friendly entertainment.