South Yorkshire communities come together to celebrate 40 years of giving

21st May 2026

Community groups, supporters and dignitaries from across the region came together to celebrate four decades of local giving and community impact at a special anniversary awards event hosted by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).

Around 130 guests attended the SYCF Community Celebration at Victoria in Sheffield, including Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire.

SYCF is South Yorkshire’s largest local grant-giving charity. Since being established in 1986, the Foundation has distributed more than £40 million in funding to thousands of grassroots organisations and charities across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Over the last 40 years, SYCF has supported projects tackling poverty, isolation and disadvantage, while helping communities create opportunities for people of all ages to thrive.

The event, hosted by Andy Kershaw, Training Manager for South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau (SYFAB), which is part of SYCF, included four regional Community Impact Awards recognising organisations making a lasting difference in their local areas.

Award winners were:
• The Exodus Project – Barnsley Community Impact Award, presented by Anna Hartley, director of public health, Barnsley Council
Highly commended: Barnsley FC Community Trust
• Edlington Community Organisation – Doncaster Community Impact Award, presented by Allan Wilshere, Service Director of Policy, Economic Development & Environmental Sustainability, Doncaster Council
Highly commended: Active Fusion
• Cortonwood Comeback – Rotherham Community Impact Award, presented by John Edwards, CEO, Rotherham Council
Highly commended: Harthill Tea and Day Social Club
• Family Voice and Ammi’s Kitchen – Sheffield Community Impact Award, presented by Kate Josephs, CEO Sheffield Council
Highly commended: Sheffield Mencap and Gateway

Family Voice and Ammi’s Kitchen have built a thriving community supporting migrant women and families through education, wellbeing, employment and practical support, helping more than 350 women each year feel safe, connected and empowered. Through its social enterprise kitchen alone, the organisation now employs 14 women, creating opportunities while helping build a more inclusive local economy.

Kate West, co-director of Family Voice, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this award. It's such a boost and wonderful for our team to feel the validation, support and the wonder of winning. Everyone works so hard and we are all on our own individual journeys.” 

Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, who is also President of SYCF, presented the SYCF President’s Award to Sparkle Sheffield in recognition of its outstanding commitment to supporting children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, while creating inclusive opportunities for families across the city.

She said: “South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation has been the cornerstone of voluntary organisations across our county, and it's overseen four decades of huge investment in grassroots charities.

“To have awarded £40 million since 1986 is an incredible achievement and demonstrates the extraordinary generosity, passion and commitment that exists across South Yorkshire.

“The organisations recognised during this celebration represent the very best of our communities. Their dedication, compassion and determination continue to change lives every single day.”

Liesje Dusauzay, founder of Sparkle Sheffield, said: “To receive The Lord-Lieutenant Dame Hilary Chapman’s Award representing HRH The King in South Yorkshire was an overwhelming and emotional moment for us all. We are beyond honoured, humbled, and grateful.

“The award itself is absolutely beautiful and handmade and to us, it represents something so much bigger than a trophy. This award belongs to every single one of our incredible volunteers who work tirelessly for our families every day. It belongs to our amazing children, who inspire us constantly with their strength, courage, uniqueness, and joy.”

The final accolade of the evening, the Peter Foyle Special Recognition Award, was presented to Anne Dean for her exceptional dedication and service to South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation.

Anne has volunteered with SYCF since its formation in 1986, giving more than 40 years of her time, expertise and passion to supporting communities across the region. Throughout four decades, she has played an instrumental role in helping the Foundation grow and ensuring funding reaches people and organisations making a real difference locally.

The award was presented by the family of Peter Foyle, a much-loved former member of the SYCF and SYFAB team who sadly passed away last year.

Ann said: “It is such a privilege to be with this wonderful family. I have been all over South Yorkshire with the Foundation, meeting groups, talking to people. It is a wonderful experience, if you don’t volunteer, volunteer now.”

Guests were entertained by performances from the Sheffield Chinese Lion Dancers and talented young musicians from Sheffield Music Academy.

Martin Singer, Chief Executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said:
“This celebration was about recognising the incredible people and organisations who work tirelessly to strengthen communities across South Yorkshire every single day.

“For 40 years, SYCF has proudly supported grassroots groups changing lives in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, and this event was an opportunity to reflect on the enormous impact local giving can have.

“What makes South Yorkshire special is the kindness and determination of its communities. We are incredibly proud to have worked alongside so many inspiring organisations and individuals over the past four decades.

“As we look to the future, our ambition remains the same. We are committed to ensuring communities across South Yorkshire continue to receive the support and investment they need to thrive for generations to come.”

Kate Josephs, chief executive of Sheffield City Council, said, “South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation is a really important partner in our region. Sheffield Council has supported the Community Foundation for many years and they make it possible to connect small grassroots organisations, for whom a small amount of money can make an enormous difference, with donors.

“They are also a really great partner from a strategic point of view because they are working with those grassroots organisations and they really see what's going on in so many of our communities. They advocate for those communities incredibly well.”

The prestigious celebration is one of several events and activities SYCF is hosting throughout 2026 to mark its 40th anniversary year.

For more information or to begin a giving journey with SYCF, visit www.sycf.org.uk