Foundation chair supports fund to the tune of £25,000

Chair of Leeds Community Foundation, Rachel Hannan, has set a challenge to raise a minimum £100,000 in support of The Leeds Fund by April.

Seeded by a personal donation of £25,000 from Rachel Hannan, the Foundation is calling fellow business leaders and philanthropists to join her and invest in enterprising community led projects that enhance the employability skills of those further from the job market.

Leeds Community Foundation – TheBusinessDesk.com’s charity partner for the year – launched The Leeds Fund to bridge the gap between those in need and those with the ability to help. Working with individuals and private businesses such as John Lewis Leeds, Asda Foundation and HARIBO, The Leeds Fund distributes grants to community groups, enabling the sector to help solve the challenges we face as a city.

From 2019, The Leeds Fund’s strategic priority is Loneliness and Inclusion. With over 37,000 people in Leeds affected by loneliness and around 160,000 people living in neighbourhoods that are amongst the 10% most deprived in England, the Foundation is committed to supporting community-based projects that build a happier, healthier and more connected city.

Leeds Community Foundation has also pledged to support the city’s Inclusive Growth Strategy to ensure everyone benefits from the city’s success.

Rachel Hannan, Chair of Leeds Community Foundation, said: “The Foundation’s skill lies in uncovering and energising community action to bring about real and positive change for those in need. I’m proud that Leeds has such an inspirational and motivated Third Sector and I hope other business leaders and fellow philanthropists will join me and invest in helping to empower people to fully utilise their skills to build strong, well connected communities that continue to fuel our economy.”

Kate Hainsworth, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Foundation, added: “We are truly grateful to Rachel for her support in helping The Leeds Fund and the inclusion agenda. Utilising the Foundation’s knowledge of the local community, raised funds will be distributed through targeted grants that will provide tangible outcomes to engage a new workforce and help local people make the most of what our city.”

For more details about The Leeds Fund, visit www.leedscf.org.uk/leedsfund or email the team at info@leedscf.org.uk

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