Meet the Funder event brings South Yorkshire community groups together

30th April 2026

Sheffield’s Canon Medical Arena provided the backdrop for scores of voluntary and community groups from across South Yorkshire to connect with funders at a special free event.

Six funders took part in the Meet the Funder drop-in session, hosted by Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park in partnership with South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).
 
Representatives  from Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park were available to discuss the Sheffield Legacy Fund, which has already awarded more than £70,000 to local causes.
 
Grants of up to £1,000 are available to grassroots community organisations within a
three-mile radius of the Park, supporting projects that improve physical and
mental health and wellbeing, and reduce social isolation. The fund is administered by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.

SYCF’s grants team also attended, offering guidance on the wide range of funding opportunities available, including its Community Grants and Small Grants programmes.
 
Attendees had the opportunity to explore additional funding opportunities and receive
expert advice from South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau (SYFAB), Yorkshire
Sport Foundation, the Co-op Foundation and Key Fund.
 
Claire
Fretwell, Operations Manager at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, said: “We were
delighted to host our second Meet the Funder event and, once again, the
response was fantastic. The room was full of energy, with so many inspiring
conversations taking place.
 
“Events like this are a great way to connect with local groups and show how the Sheffield
Legacy Fund can help them take their ideas to the next level.”
 
Jess O’Neill, Grants and Partnerships Manager at South Yorkshire’s Community
Foundation, said: “This was a such a special Meet the Funder event, bringing
together organisations doing incredible work in their communities in a
wonderful space.
 
“Not only was it a valuable way to connect people with the funding and support they need, but it was fantastic to be able to share advice and opportunities. It really
highlights the strength and impact of the voluntary sector in our region.”