Building stronger communities in Yorkshire and The Humber
BETTER TOGETHER!
About Us
How We're Helping
We are a grant-awarding trust funding projects in Yorkshire and the Humber. Our aims are the breaking down of barriers in society, the integration of marginalised groups within communities and a concern for the natural environment. We have an interest in interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, exclusion and environmental sustainability and a focus on grassroots and youth-oriented projects. Our guiding principles are a Christian-based concern for the wellbeing of God's creation and the flourishing of individuals and communities.
Get Involved
As a charity we are completely dependent on donations from supporters plus income from our investments. Our supporters (or Friends) are a vital part of the work that we do. Becoming a Friend is an opportunity to get more involved in the foundation, meeting the projects we fund at our AGM, and doing something really worthwhile.
Photograph: Doncaster Conversation Club
Project Grants
We support initiatives that bring people together to gain understanding of other faiths and cultures and to work in partnership to improve the neighbourhoods in which they live. We aim to fund projects that address the divisions in our society by developing greater understanding of social justice and diversity.
Photograph: The Cellar Trust
Our Story
The Wharfedale Foundation has its origins in Scargill House at Kettlewell in Wharfedale, North Yorkshire. The house had been sold at auction to the Church of England and from 1959 the charitable company Scargill House Ltd. operated as a Christian residential community with a particular ministry to guests coming to Scargill for individual teaching and spiritual refreshment or on parish weekends.
From the early 2000s the direction of Scargill House began to change to focus on issues of social justice, inclusivity and the environment. When financial difficulties forced the closure of the house in July 2008, it was again sold, the proceeds used to establish a grant making foundation, and Scargill House Ltd, whilst remaining the same charity and limited company, was renamed The Wharfedale Foundation.
Scargill House was purchased by a newly formed registered charity, The Scargill Movement (supported by the community at Lee Abbey), who are committed to furthering the original vision, ministry and mission of the house as a Christian community.
The two charities The Wharfedale Foundation and The Scargill Movement recognise their common ancestry and maintain contact and an appreciation of their complementary roles.
In 2019 as The Wharfedale Foundation reaches its 10th anniversary, we are pleased to celebrate both that milestone and also the fact that, through the continuing activities of The Scargill Movement, the ministry of Scargill House has now been in operation for 60 years.
Photograph: Steven Craven CC BY-SA 2.0
Who We Are
Ann Hindley - Trustee
Ann is a community development worker and researcher based in North Lincolnshire but works across Yorkshire and the Humber and the East Midlands. She is a Quaker and is a member of the Doncaster Society of Friends and became involved in the Wharfedale Foundation because of its commitment to social justice.
John Wilson - Trustee
John is currently the Project manager at Community Matters (Yorkshire) having spent the last 13 years supporting organisations on behalf of both national charities and local authorities.
Jane Thompson - Trustee
Jane has extensive professional experience of working in the voluntary and community sector having worked as a trustee, volunteer, junior employee and senior manager in more than 10 charities. She has a great deal of knowledge about the funding and management of voluntary organisations .
Karen Hobson - Trustee
Karen has a background in community development, grant making and managing third sector organisations. She’s a busy woman with two young children but does her best to find the time to give back. She is a committed Christian and is very involved in her local church in Hudddersfield.
Sue Mann - Trustee
Sue has worked in the voluntary sector in a variety of roles over the last 15 years. After retirement she is even busier volunteering in North Craven and looking after her two Springer Spaniels.
Rachel Boggs - Administrator
Rachel worked for 20 years as an IT professional and project manager for a multi-national manufacturer. Since 2007 she has supported churches and charitable organisations with their administation and IT.