Norfolk Community Foundation has been close to Kevin Keable’s heart for more than a decade, so much so he created a book about its work funding and supporting charities and community organisations across Norfolk.
Despite his personal involvement, he was amazed how deeply connected the foundation is to the energy industry when he became the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) chair a year ago.
“I produced the book, Norfolk at its Best, because there are so many inspiring communities in Norfolk that work with the Norfolk Community Foundation, and I wanted to shine a light on them while raising funds for the foundation.
“I didn’t realise how many close ties they already had in the energy industry until the foundation agreed to take a stand at the Southern North Sea Conference. I was stunned. There is so much potential for our members and associates who aren’t already involved to partner and collaborate with the foundation – an organisation so plugged into the needs of people in Norfolk.”
With Claire Cullens MBE at the helm, the foundation delivers funding and support for charities and voluntary groups to exist and grow, helping them to provide care, support and opportunities to communities that need it most.
Drawing on local knowledge and insight, Norfolk Community Foundation also directs partners – including some of the energy sector’s biggest names – to where help is most needed. It has the flexibility to channel investment through its six missions, which address key community needs, or through bespoke funds on behalf of specific businesses or individuals.
Sophie Berry, the foundation’s corporate giving manager, said: “The first step when working together is to understand the difference you want to make.
We can then help to identify what you have to offer that charities need right now, whether that’s funding, assets or time.
“Put simply, we provide the mechanism for you to support grassroots community action in a meaningful way.”
In 2023, more than 500 organisations were supported and one in five Norfolk people benefited from funding administered by the foundation.
The foundation has helped to allocate more than £2.6 million from local energy infrastructure projects to support people across Norfolk in the past 10 years.
Just over £2 million has come from Equinor’s Dudgeon Fund and Sheringham Shoal. Dudgeon focuses on inspiring budding scientists, innovators and inventors whilst Sheringham Shoal supports green energy projects to future-proof communities.
One of the projects supported is the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) after-school club at Alderman Peel High School in Wells-next-the-Sea, so popular the group has turned the groundkeeper’s hut into a workshop to build a Greenpower kit car.
Last month, RWE chose Norfolk Community Foundation to administer its Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone Community Fund to build sustainable, resilient and ‘Future Bright’ rural communities in Norfolk. Its first round is open with £100,000 for projects exploring key challenges identified by communities, from nature to transport.
The foundation will help build a local decision-making panel, so community needs are addressed throughout its 25-year lifetime.
“We understand it can sometimes be a challenge for companies to uncover organisations to support. Being connected to around 2,000 at any one time, we can help with this,” said Sophie.
“Essentially, we are an enabler, but it’s not just about the money. Much of our work is being able to identify where the gaps are and pull in the resources, businesses or individuals that can help things along.”
Kevin said a story that had touched him involved young carers from Gorleston and Great Yarmouth.
“Each had written a wish. One child’s wish was for a day at the beach. It blew my mind that a child lived by the beach but couldn’t have a day off to go.
“The foundation makes these things possible. It was important to bring EEEGR into the fold and see how it could support the foundation and its members.”
The Foundation's mission
Norfolk Community Foundation has worked in the county for more than two decades.
Adam Baker, communications and insight manager, said: “We receive thousands of applications for grants a year, so we get a real time image of what the need is in Norfolk.
“Over the last two years specifically we have been focusing on gaining insights, working directly with focus groups and on-the-ground communities to really get our teeth into what the challenges are and what can be done by external partners to support this kind of work.”
The foundation’s insight work shaped six key missions for Norfolk:
Greening Our Communities - Helping tackle climate change through community activity, from more energy-efficient village halls to monitoring wildlife and growing vegetables.
A Better Childhood - Giving children experiences that might not have otherwise been possible.
Young People’s Mental Health - Supporting community groups to provide vital early support for young people’s mental wellbeing and ensuring the voices of children and young people are heard.
Love Norfolk - Supporting basic needs in Norfolk from lunch clubs to keeping village hall lights on.
Skills for Norfolk - Unlocking skills and opportunities in Norfolk through lifelong learning, employment support and child literacy programs.
Nourishing Norfolk - Giving people access to affordable food. Food hubs have been set up across Norfolk with a fully operational warehouse and distribution hub provided by Norse Group.
Inspired to take action? Email Sophie Berry at sophieberry@norfolkfoundation.com
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