UK Community Foundations (UKCF), in partnership with Anchor Butter, has launched its third year of the Anchor Community Connection Fund.
This year’s funding round will focus on London and the regions of Leicestershire and Rutland. The London Community Foundation and Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation will oversee the distribution of £50,000 in grants to local organisations dedicated to bringing communities together through food.
Reports from community-led groups, previously funded by the Anchor Community Connection Fund in the last two years, confirm that individuals and families have gained a lot more than companionship at these local services. In addition to arranging social activities, serving hot meals and sharing skills with others, participating volunteers have provided vital secondary support such as guidance, counselling and nutritional advice. One group participant recently told UKCF, “It made me want to leave my home and it raised me out of the deep depression I was in.”
UK-based research including studies by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport show that building community connection improves mental health, reduces loneliness and enhances overall wellbeing, underlining the critical role these initiatives play.
Feedback from UKCF-funded groups reveals that the inclusive spaces have enabled service users to build essential social networks that have resulted in their improved confidence and wellbeing. Talking about the flexibility of the Anchor Community Connection Fund, one volunteer said, “It gives everybody a sense of confidence and freedom to focus on what truly matters – be it emergency assistance, supplies or programmes.”
The new Chief Executive of UKCF, Emma de Closset, highlighted the trust-based approach of the programme: “The partnership between Anchor and UKCF reflects our joint commitment to doing good across the country, together. We have a shared dedication to enabling meaningful community connections and providing essential support to those in need.
“Flexibility, openness to learning and respect for local decision making have been instrumental in enabling these vital projects. We particularly thank Anchor for empowering local organisations through flexible funding.”
UKCF is the membership organisation for the UK’s 47 accredited community foundations which inspire local philanthropy, bring communities together and fund great ideas. Covering every postcode in the UK, their members work with local partners to identify and address needs and improve lives. Eight community foundations have been involved in the Anchor Community Connection Fund, embedded in communities throughout England.
Anchor is the number one British produced butter brand and is owned by Arla Foods, the UK’s biggest dairy company. As a cooperative of around 2,000 farmer owners in the UK, all of Arla’s profits go back to the farmer owners.
Amy Punchard, Anchor Brand Manager, commented: “As the nation’s favourite British produced butter, Anchor knows that food has the power to connect communities, which is why we’re continuing to support UK Community Foundations throughout 2025.
“Food has always been at the heart of community life in Britain and cooking and enjoying food should be accessible for everyone. Through the partnership, we aim to continue to spread a bit of food positivity in neighbourhoods across the nation.”