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On Monday 13 October, Community Foundation North East welcomed guests to our Annual Meeting at Northern Stage, kindly supported by Muckle LLP through their fund at the Foundation. The afternoon was a celebration of the power of philanthropy and community and a moment to celebrate the achievements of the past year.
Rob Williamson, Chief Executive of Community Foundation North East, shared reflections on our progress and purpose:
“This year has shown the enduring strength of philanthropy in the North East. We’ve seen incredible generosity and a deep commitment to making our region fairer and more vibrant. Community Foundation North East continues to be a catalyst for change, connecting people, resources and ambition to build a better future.”
We were honoured to be joined by Rt Hon Alan Milburn as our keynote speaker. Former MP and Secretary of State and current Chair of the Social Mobility Foundation, Alan shared a compelling, hopeful vision for the North East, highlighting the region’s strengths across research, tourism, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital, renewables and business services. He spoke passionately about the role of philanthropy in creating a more equitable society, saying:
“There is a particular opportunity for philanthropy to focus on helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds gain the skills needed to thrive in the new economy we are seeing in our region […] A society where aspiration and ability – not birth or background – dictate progress in life.”
The evening opened with a poetry performance by Catherine Brennan from SlamFresh. Community Foundation North East awarded £4,500 from our Newcastle Culture Investment Fund to SlamFresh in 2024. SlamFresh used the funding to extend their work to adults, many of whom were recovering from addiction and mental health issues, offering them a safe space to express their emotions through the power of poetry.
Our Chair, Phil Moorhouse, shared highlights from the year, including the establishment of the Steve and Christine Covey Fund, from a £3 million legacy gift. Treasurer Paul Farquhar presented key financials, showing that we awarded over 1,200 grants totalling nearly £9 million to over 600 organisations and 95 individuals. Notably, 71% of funding went to organisations in the most deprived half of postcode areas and nearly half of all funding supported core costs.
We celebrated progress toward our net zero goal, with carbon emissions from our share portfolios already reduced to below 20%, well ahead of our 2030 target of below 45%.
This year’s AGM was also a moment to recognise the invaluable contributions of our trustees. We said farewell to Andrew Haigh, CEO of Newcastle Building Society, and Lucy Winskell OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, who have both completed their terms. Their leadership, insight and dedication have helped shape the Community Foundation’s direction and deepen its impact across the region.
We are delighted to welcome Lucia Bridgeman, of Fallodon Estate and Deputy Lieutenant of Northumberland, and Dawn Creighton, Head of Strategy and Experience at Northumbrian Water, to our board. Their expertise and passion for the North East will be vital as we continue to grow and respond to the needs of our communities.
As we look ahead, our refreshed Vital Signs research continues to guide our funding priorities. From tackling health inequalities and supporting care leavers, to promoting green energy and improving access to arts and culture, we remain committed to addressing the issues that matter most in our communities.
New and upcoming developments at Community Foundation North East were also shared. For example, this month we launched our Legacy Campaign, which explores the lasting local impact that leaving a gift in your will can achieve. The accompanying brochure explains how legacy giving ensures the donor’s values live on and continue to support local causes in perpetuity. Our North East Roots fund and Homecoming initiative is another example of a new campaign. In December, we will welcome back expats who have lived, studied, or worked in the North East to reconnect with the region they love. Through a long weekend of events, Homecoming will celebrate the opportunities in our region and invite those with roots in the North East to be part of its future.
Hugh Welch, Senior Partner at Muckle, summarised the importance of social mobility:
“At Muckle, improving social mobility is so important to us. Whilst we all know there is more work to be done to improve social mobility in our region, the event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when organisations work together. The Community Foundation is doing such great work helping to reshape the narrative in the North East towards one where opportunities are based on potential and not background, and we are proud to play a small role in making this difference.”
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the AGM and to all our supporters, partners and grantees. Together, we are building a North East where everyone can be part of thriving, generous and inclusive communities.
