Introduction
The Community Foundation for Nottinghamshire, now trading as Forever Notts, is an independent charitable foundation dedicated to supporting local community initiatives and grassroots organisations across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, UK. Forever Notts acts as a philanthropic bridge between donors and community groups, helping to channel funding to local causes that strengthen community wellbeing, improve lives, and build social resilience.
History and Background
Forever Notts has its origins in the Sherwood Coalfield Trust, established in 1997 to encourage philanthropy that benefits the people of Nottinghamshire. In 2001 the organisation became the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation, and in 2024 it was rebranded as Forever Notts to reflect a broader, county-wide commitment to community support and local giving.
Since its foundation, the organisation has distributed over £30 million in grants to more than 4,000 local charities and community groups, helping small voluntary organisations deliver vital services and address local needs across the region.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of the Community Foundation for Nottinghamshire (Forever Notts) is to encourage and support local philanthropy by connecting donors — including individuals, families, businesses and trusts — with community causes that matter in Nottinghamshire. The foundation aims to:
- Strengthen community wellbeing and cohesion
- Support grassroots charities and social enterprises
- Enable donor-led philanthropy with local impact
- Address issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health and social exclusion
- Empower youth, older people and marginalised groups
By acting as a trusted intermediary, Forever Notts ensures that philanthropic contributions are effectively targeted to benefit local people and places.
Governance and Structure
Forever Notts operates as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. It is governed by a Board of Trustees, including experienced community leaders and sector professionals, supported by a professional team of staff and volunteers who manage grants, donor services, and community partnerships.
The organisation also forms part of the UK Community Foundations network, a national group of independent community foundations that operate locally across the United Kingdom.
Funding and Grants
Forever Notts provides funding through a range of grant programmes and donor funds, tailored to support local community groups across Nottinghamshire.
- Community Grants
- These open grant programmes support voluntary and community organisations, helping them deliver projects that improve lives in areas such as health, wellbeing, inclusion, arts and culture, and social support.
- Donor-Advised and Named Funds
- The foundation manages over 50 donor funds, including named trust funds and legacy trusts, offering donors flexibility to support specific causes close to their hearts.
- Themed and Special Funds
- Different funds focus on thematic priorities — from youth development and enterprise to rural community support, cultural projects, and hardship funds — giving local organisations access to a diverse range of funding opportunities.
Grant sizes vary, with funding typically ranging from small awards for grassroots activities to larger grants for established local charities.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Forever Notts supports a broad spectrum of programmes and activities that help build stronger communities:
- Community Building and Wellbeing
- Grants that improve access to local services, support mental health and promote social inclusion.
- Youth and Skills Development
- Funding for projects that empower young people, increase employability and support youth-led initiatives.
- Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Support for creative community groups, cultural celebrations, heritage projects and local events.
- Crisis Support and Hardship Funding
- Targeted grants that help individuals and families facing crisis, including emergency hardship funds for those in urgent need.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
The foundation’s grantmaking has had lasting impact across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, including:
- 239 grants totalling more than £570,000 awarded in a single year, supporting more than 230,000 local people through community services and activities.
- Funding for grassroots organisations such as general community support groups, food projects, youth clubs, art therapy programmes, and local sports initiatives.
- Management of legacy and donor funds that ensure long-term support for community causes and local philanthropic initiatives.
Forever Notts’ track record shows how locally focused philanthropy can make a tangible difference in tackling social challenges and enhancing quality of life for residents across the county.
Conclusion
The Community Foundation for Nottinghamshire (Forever Notts) is a vital force for community development, philanthropy, and social impact within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. By connecting donors with local organisations and distributing targeted grants, Forever Notts helps ensure that charitable contributions remain local and deliver lasting positive change for communities throughout the region.
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