At Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF), we are dedicated to ensuring that local charities and community groups can access the funding they need with ease and transparency. That’s why we are thrilled to see the UK Community Foundations network receive outstanding recognition from Charity Excellence.
In the 2025 benchmarking survey, community foundations were rated 5th out of 49 UK charitable trusts and foundations, earning a prestigious 5-star rating for our commitment to accessible and effective grant-making. This recognition is a testament to the ongoing efforts of community foundations across the country to make funding applications as straightforward, inclusive and impactful as possible.
Additionally, UK Community Foundations were honoured as Runners Up for the People's Choice Award—an incredible acknowledgment of the dedication and hard work that community foundation teams put into improving accessibility for grassroots organisations. We know that complex and time-consuming application processes place a heavy burden on small charities and voluntary groups, often diverting crucial resources away from their frontline services. That’s why community foundations continuously seek ways to refine and enhance grant-making processes to better serve those making a difference in our communities.
We are also grateful to
Charity Excellence—a fantastic free resource for non-profits—for sharing the insights and methodology behind the 2025 survey. Their findings and recommendations provide valuable guidance for trusts and foundations looking to improve their grant-making practices, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most, when they need it most.
As part of the
UK Community Foundations network, HCF remains committed to making funding accessible, transparent,and impactful for the local communities we serve.