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This December, Community Foundation North East hosted the first-ever North East Roots Homecoming, a landmark celebration of our region’s global community and the spirit of generosity that connects us all. From 5–8 December, a series of events brought together people who care about the North East, wherever they live, to reconnect and discover how they can make a difference across the region.
John Hollingsworth, Chief Philanthropy Officer, said:
“Homecoming is about more than celebration, it’s about connection and a commitment to the North East. By engaging our global North East community, we can bring opportunity home, unlocking investment, ideas, and support for the region we love.”
Homecoming was part of our wider North East Roots initiative, which focuses on celebrating professional and business success stories, inspiring people with a passion for the North East to give back and building pathways to opportunity for those who need them most.
The North East Roots Fund, established in 2023, is at the heart of this initiative. It encourages anyone with a passion for the region to give back, whatever they can, wherever they are. The Fund strengthens local communities with the support of those who share a special connection to the North East. Its goals are clear: inspire giving, celebrate global impact, promote a thriving and competitive North East, and grow an active global network. Funding is then directed towards tackling poverty upstream by boosting access to economic opportunities at every stage of life, helping young people and families build brighter futures.
Homecoming brought this vision to life through a series of events. On Friday 5 December, we launched our event series in Blyth with ‘A Northumberland Homecoming’, in partnership with the Energy Central Learning Campus and Blyth Tall Ship. This event included a networking lunch, performances from Shanty Singers, and a naming ceremony for a traditional coble boat that is being restored at Blyth Tall Ship, made possible by funding through Community Foundation North East.
On Sunday 7 December, Sunderland took centre stage with ‘Spotlight on Sunderland’ at Sheepfolds Stables, followed by ‘Music’s Coming Home’ at The Fire Station. Sunderland Music City raised funds for Love Amelia, and we have matched this funding (up to £50,000) to support five local organisations that are helping to build opportunity for young people and families across Sunderland.
On Monday 8 December, we hosted our lunchtime Homecoming Summit at Northumbria University with media partner NET, which featured discussions on engaging diaspora and boosting inward economic investment. This event featured regional business leaders, expat leaders, and key figures from the North East’s economic development organisations.
The events concluded that evening at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle with the Homecoming Awards and Showcase, where we honoured inspiring figures from the worlds of business, music, and culture, with special awards presented by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.
Homecoming was kindly supported by Newcastle Building Society, Develop North LPC, Northumbrian Water, Arts Council England, Naylors Gavin Black, Sir James Knott Trust, and The Watson Family Charitable Trust.
