Grantee portal 
This year, the Kellett Fund reached the milestone of awarding over £10 million in grants to support older people across North East England. Established in 1996 with an initial endowment of £5 million, now grown to over £6 million, the fund has supported more than 1,000 grants that help older adults live fuller, more connected lives through community participation, leisure and learning.
In the latest round of funding, 12 local charities and community organisations received support to continue their work with older people. The fund offers large revenue grants of up to £30,000 over two years, with the opportunity for continuation funding. There is no limit on the number of times organisations can apply, meaning the fund can support them for many years.
The Kellett Fund is one of the longest-standing funds at the Community Foundation and has enabled organisations to build sustainable services that respond to the changing needs of older adults.
Pete Barrett, Senior Programme Advisor at the Community Foundation, said:
“The Kellett Fund has transformed the lives of older people across our region. Its long-term, flexible support allows organisations to build trust, deepen impact, and create spaces where older people feel valued, connected, and empowered.”
One of the organisations supported in this and previous rounds of funding is Churches Together in South Tyneside, which last year received funding for its Happy at Home Project. The grant supported core costs for the Team Leader, enabling the recruitment, training and retention of a volunteer team.
The project runs four community hubs where older adults can socialise and connect. The project is powered by 70 volunteers, most of whom are aged over 70 themselves. Many joined to combat their own social isolation, and now give back to others through volunteering, including befriending housebound older people.
Volunteers are supported with first aid and health and safety training, active listening workshops, and 10 volunteer lunches per year to reflect on their work and share experiences and celebrate their achievements
One volunteer said:
“I enjoy meeting other people on these activities and it has enhanced my life. They are a great bunch of people who I consider my friends.”
Miriam Reay, Project Support Worker at Community Churches Together, said:
“This fund has enabled us to focus on recruiting and retaining volunteers which are the heartbeat of our project. Many of them are older themselves and are an invaluable part of our community. Their life experience, commitment and reliability are second to none! Thank you for helping us build on our inclusive volunteer team. We really appreciate it.”
As the Kellett Fund continues to grow, its aim remains clear: to champion older people across North East England by supporting the organisations that help them thrive.