Celebrating 50 years of Community Foundations in the UK

In the last 50 years, community foundations in UKCF’s network have collectively distributed just over £2.1 billion to grassroots projects and initiatives across the UK and Jersey.

On Monday 3 November 2025, Paul Robin, CEO of Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF), and Helen Doubal, HCF’s Head of Grants, joined HCF Trustee Dr Sally Burton DL at a special milestone celebration event at Lancaster House, London, hosted by UK Community Foundations (UKCF).

The event brought together more than 350 guests from across the UK – including inspiring donors, national partners, and community foundation representatives – to mark five decades of place-based giving and local impact.

Guests heard from distinguished speakers including Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, and Anand Shukla, CEO of the Henry Smith Foundation. Each reflected on the transformative role community foundations have played in strengthening local communities and driving social change across the UK.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation was proud to be part of this landmark occasion, celebrating the incredible generosity and community spirit that underpin local giving across the county.

Paul Robin, CEO of Hertfordshire Community Foundation, said:

“I was honoured to attend a landmark celebration for Community Foundations at the spectacular Lancaster House in London. .

It was great to see the important work of Community Foundations recognised. In fifty years, the Community Foundations network in the UK has distributed over £2 billion in grants – helping to build strong, resilient communities. Honestly, where would society be without this contribution at local level?

Thanks to Emma de Closset and her team at UKCF for pulling together such a memorable evening.”

The evening was a powerful reminder of the impact that local philanthropy can achieve – and of the enduring strength of communities when they come together to support one another.