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What We Do

What We Do

At the Community Foundation Wakefield District, our mission is to provide immediate, judgment-free support to local people in need. We specialise in helping those who fall through the cracks—whether they are individuals, families, minorities, or other vulnerable groups.

Each year, we redistribute the equivalent of £250,000+ back into the district’s economy through the donation of goods and financial support. Our retail arm, The Community Give Box, plays a vital role in donating more than it sells, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.

Despite recent investments in the Wakefield District, significant pockets of deprivation remain. As an independent, locally rooted organisation, we strive to address these challenges across the city, the Five Towns, SESKU, and other villages in the district. Our work is centric to the Wakefield economy.

Our Purpose

We want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their situation, receives the support they need. Whilst there are many organisations across Wakefield that do fantastic work, there are those who don’t fit into their criteria for support and these people, as a result, don’t know where to turn next. We strive to ensure no one gets left behind.

Originally established nearly two decades ago to tackle poverty and disadvantage, we’ve evolved to take a more inclusive, grassroots approach. We focus on meeting basic needs—like providing simple goods, services, and small financial grants—so that everyone in the district has a solid foundation to build on. Once these necessities are addressed, we can help open up opportunities for education and upskilling to improve people’s long-term prospects.

Why We Help

  • Average earnings in the Wakefield District are lower than regional and national rates.
  • Almost 16% of the district’s population (around 54,200 people) live in neighbourhoods amongst the top-10% most deprived in England.
  • At the District level, Wakefield is the 54th most deprived district in England (out of 317 districts). This has worsened since 2015, when Wakefield District was 65th most deprived.

Source 

  • Around a third of kids across the Wakefield district are living in poverty. A Wakefield Council report said that almost 20,000 local children were living in families facing real “financial hardship”.
  • The number of children living in low-income families has increased by 34% over the past five years in the Wakefield District.

Source

  • In proportional terms, Yorkshire and Humber’s voluntary sector income remains one of the lowest in England. There is a notable north / south funding divide, particularly when deprivation as well as population levels are taken into account
  • 47% of all voluntary sector income comes from individual giving

Source

Who We Help

We assist anyone in need locally, predominantly minorities and disadvantaged groups. This includes people experiencing homelessness, those fleeing domestic abuse, and children lacking basic necessities, such as a bed to sleep in. We tackle issues head-on, working through one problem to the next, until the situation is resolved.

While we initially issued grants for projects, e.g. through the funding partnership we had with Haribo UK, as an organisation, we’ve shifted to providing tangible support through goods, services, and financial aid. Our approach is hands-on and direct, and often eases situations of crisis other charities may overlook or be unable to help with.

Our Network and Impact

We have strong connections across the district, collaborating with other charities and nonprofits. When they encounter cases outside their scope, they refer them to us. If a situation exceeds our resources, we leverage our network and expertise to find a solution.

Most of the goods we redistribute would otherwise end up in landfill or be left unused. As we support those in need, we also help businesses become more sustainable and help them give back to their community.

Our Vision

Our logo features an umbrella, which symbolises the protection and support we aim to provide. We strive to be Wakefield District’s safety net, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities and reducing deprivation and disadvantage.

We don’t focus on just one issue. Instead, we offer reactive, flexible support where it’s most needed, without lengthy application processes. Every day brings new challenges, and we’re ready to meet them head-on.

If you’re in need of support, interested in partnering with us, or you’d like to donate goods, please contact our Executive Director, Lisa Milburn, at lisa.milburn@wakefieldcf.org.uk.
The Community Foundation supports people across the Wakefield and Five Towns district.
T: 01924 239 181 E: info@wakefieldcf.org.uk

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Registered in England & Wales Company Number: 6236043
Registered Charity Number: 1121884

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