The Giving Network | Community Foundation

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Give and network with your peers from as little as £30 a month – or join as a business member from £1,000 a year

Together we can change lives

The Giving Network at the Community Foundation is a powerful and collective way to support the North East. It brings together individuals and businesses who care about their communities and want to back the local organisations making a real difference.

From supporting people experiencing homelessness to welcoming refugees, from clubs to engage older adults to community arts festivals, we connect you with the grassroots groups that are often overlooked by other funders but have a big impact. Every year, we select organisations that are working to priority themes identified by our Vital Signs research.

Benefits of The Giving Network

As a member of The Giving Network, you will:
• Receive match funding £ for £ on your donations up to a maximum of £1,000.
• Join a network of socially responsible companies and individuals committed to local impact.
• Receive updates and invitations to Giving Network events, including the annual Giving Event (see below).
• Be recognised for your contribution to community causes.
• Collectively influence philanthropy in the North East.

New: Business Membership

We’re excited to introduce a new way for regional businesses to get involved. If you’re not yet ready to set up a fund with us but want to give back to your community, you can now join The Giving Network as a business member for a minimum of £1,000 per year. We will match fund your £1,000 donation £ for £.

Annual Giving Network Event

Each year, Giving Network members come together at a special event held in early summer to decide how their pooled contributions are distributed.

Before the event:

Members receive a shortlist of nine local organisations chosen by us and vote for their top four.
The four most popular organisations are invited to present at the event and receive funding.
Free presentation training is offered to the shortlisted organisations to help them make the most of telling their story.

At the event:

Members meet the shortlisted organisations and hear directly from them.
Members the decide how to allocate their portion of the pooled funding among the four organisations.

This is more than just an evening of giving – it’s a celebration of community, connection, and collective impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does The Giving Network work?

The Giving Network brings together individuals and businesses who want to support local communities across the North East. Members contribute monthly or annually, and their donations are pooled to support local organisations. Each year, from a shortlist chosen by us, members help decide which charities receive funding through our Giving Network event.

What can I support through the Giving Network?

Your contributions support a wide range of local causes. We focus on smaller, impactful organisations that are deeply rooted in their communities.

What is the Giving Network event?

Held in early summer, the Giving Network event is a highlight of the year. Members vote on a shortlist of nine charities, and the top four are invited to present at the event. After hearing from each organisation, members decide how to distribute their proportion of the pooled funding. It’s a chance to connect with the causes you support and see your impact firsthand.

Is there match funding available?

Yes – the Community Foundation will match your contribution up to £1,000 per member per year, helping your gift go even further in supporting local organisations.

Can I claim Gift Aid on my donation?

Yes – if you’re a UK taxpayer, your donation may be eligible for Gift Aid, which allows us to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give, at no extra cost to you. We’ll provide the necessary forms when you join.

Are there any fees?

Yes. All funds at the Community Foundation make a contribution to cover our running costs. The Giving Network fund contribution is 10% of the net donation – this does not include Gift Aid or match funding.

For example:
Giving by Direct Debit
Your donation: £30.00 per month
Gift Aid: £7.50 per month
Cost contribution @ 10% of £30: £3.00 per month
£ for £ match on your donation: £30.00 per month
Total per month into the Fund: £64.50
Total per year into the Fund: £774.00
Higher rate taxpayers may claim back an additional 20% of your donation plus Gift Aid (£37.50) through your tax return, making your actual donation £22.50 per month.

Giving via your company’s Give As You Earn scheme
Your pledge: £37.50 per month
Cost contribution based on 10% of £30: £3.00 per month
£ for £ match on the minimum donation: £30.00 per month
Total per month into the Fund: £64.50
Total per year into the Fund: £774.00
20% taxpayers will only pay £30 per month, based on a Give As You Earn gift of £37.50.

Giving as a Business Member
Your donation: £1,000 per year
Cost contribution @ 10%: £100
£ for £ match on your donation: £1,000
Total per year into the Fund: £1,900

How do I join by direct debit?

Joining by direct debit is simple and secure. Just complete the direct debit mandate and return it to us.

Can I join through payroll giving?

Yes. If your employer offers Give As You Earn, you can donate through your salary and receive tax benefits immediately. Get in touch with your employer to set this up.

Can businesses join?

Absolutely. Businesses can now become Giving Network members for a minimum of £1,000 per year. It’s a great way to give back locally, connect with other socially responsible organisations, and support community causes without setting up a fund.
Businesses can make donations directly to the Community Foundation by bank transfer, and/or we can set up an Enthuse page for any fundraising activities you may do across the year. Please note that Enthuse charge their own platform fee that will be taken from your contribution.