A NEW fund supporting local community groups has been unveiled aimed at helping local businesses reduce inequalities across the district now and in the future.

The Bradford Fund has been launched by GiveBradford, aimed at directing funds donated by firms in the district towards projects affecting real social change across Bradford.

Through investment in the new fund, GiveBradford can then distribute grants to different community groups and charities around Bradford to support their work, funding core costs so they can develop and be stronger in the future.

Inequalities have existed across the district for years, and have been made even worse by the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.

Many face economic and social challenges, and the Bradford Fund aims to embolden the grassroots organisations in these communities to improve access to opportunities and improve social mobility.

Over the past 12 months, Give Bradford has distributed more than £1.5 million in grants and support to local community groups in the district, powered by strong partnerships with business, individuals and communities and regular consultation with the groups being supported.

Steph Taylor, director at GiveBradford said: “Here in Bradford, we have more than 1,400 community organisations operating district-wide or more locally.

"Our role is to support their development and provide them with the funding that will enable them to thrive.

“Our grant making has always been led by Bradford communities, and now we have a dedicated fund that will allow us to support the priority needs of our local communities.

“Most of the groups we fund don’t have the infrastructure or capacity to raise funds directly from companies, individuals and national trusts and foundations and we play a vital role in connecting people who want to give with groups who can spend their money creating real social change in the place they love.”

The Bradford Fund has already distributed £120,000 to a dozen organisations, including the West Bowling Youth Initiative, which provides education, employment and leisure opportunities to young people alongside personal and social development.

Haqueq Siddique, manager at WBYI said: “This type of unrestricted funding is vital to enable us to look at sustainability and build capacity and growth in coming years.

"WBYI have been working in the community for the last 30 years and we aim to continue our provision over the next decade - providing support, guidance and building confidence in young people for an easier transition into adulthood.”

Sharon Orr, community affairs manager and GiveBradford board member, said: “Bradford has a great history of philanthropy and giving and it’s important that our businesses invest not only in the immediate needs of our communities, but also their futures.

"Our city has such rich and diverse communities in which we all live and work and we have a duty of care to them which we must take seriously to ensure our collective sustainability.

“I hope that businesses will see The Bradford Fund as a core part of this funding provision.

"At Provident, we’re committed to helping tackle barriers to social and financial inclusion, so the work of GiveBradford is crucial to helping us do this effectively.

"Provident is proud to be a long-term funder and I’m also delighted to be a board member.”

Businesses and individuals that want to contribute to the Bradford Fund are urged to visit givebradford.org.uk.