Harrogate Brigantes Rotary is inviting charities and community organisations from Harrogate to apply for a share of a new £50,000 funding pot.
The second round of the Brigantes Rotary Legacy Fund follows the distribution of £50,000 to 14 local organisations in 2024. The first round received 65 applications, with grants ranging from £400 to £10,000.
Beneficiaries included The Happy Wanderers Ambulance Organisation and Resurrected Bites, each of which received £10,000. Other charities and community organisations, including Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate Hospital Radio and Saint Michael’s Hospice also received a share of the money.
The Legacy Fund was created following a generous bequest from local resident and friend of Harrogate Brigantes Rotary Dennis Smith, who wished the club to continue supporting organisations that make a significant difference to community wellbeing.
Applications are now open for the second £50,000 tranche. Grants of up to a maximum of £10,000 are available, and applications are welcome from locally-led organisations operating in Harrogate.
The fund is particularly intended to support capital projects for which a grant would make a meaningful and lasting difference. However, funding for ongoing running costs will be considered if they lead to an identifiable and sustainable ongoing development.
Harrogate Brigantes Rotary President, Guy Wilson, said:
The first round showed us both the extraordinary work taking place across our district and the level of need among local organisations.
We were delighted to support 14 excellent projects in 2024, from accessible transport and hospice equipment to the restoration of community and school facilities.
We are now looking forward to hearing from another wide range of charities, schools and community groups. If your organisation has a project that could make a real and lasting difference locally, we encourage you to read the guidance and apply.
This year, Harrogate Brigantes Rotary welcomes Harrogate’s Mayor, Councillor Viv Poskitt, and Lizzie Hughes, Interim CEO of Harrogate & District Community Action, to the judging panel.
They, alongside returning judge Matthew Stamford, Director of Verity Frearson, and Guy Wilson and Peter Wood, President and a Past President of Harrogate Brigantes, respectively, will decide who receives a share of the money.
Applications must be submitted by 30th November 2026. For further information on how to apply, visit https://www.rotaryharrogatebrigantes.org.uk/project/legacy.
Successful applicants will be informed in December and announced at a celebration evening on 14 January 2027, at Oakdale Golf Club.