We have awarded £300,000 of single‑year funding through our Church & Communities and Older People & Housing programmes, to support the Belong North East Fund, a new community fund supporting existing and new projects that tackle disadvantage and build a sense of belonging for those that feel isolated across the North East of England.
A partnership approach rooted in local knowledge
The fund, led by Point North Community Foundation and supported by Community Foundation North East, reflects our shared commitment to addressing poverty, loneliness and isolation, particularly for older people and those living in disadvantaged communities and builds on our commitment to place‑based, partnership‑driven funding to ensure that resources reach grassroots organisations best placed to deliver meaningful, community‑led change.
The Belong North East Fund seeks to support activities that:
- Bring together groups divided or excluded by race, culture, age, or ability
- Engage disadvantaged communities and families who are facing challenges because of poverty or disenfranchisement
- Help older people who experience poverty and loneliness keep engaged with their communities
- Meaningful intergenerational activity – bringing children & young people together with older people
- Provide opportunities for young and older people to become more involved in their communities
Grants awarded (up to £10,000) will primarily target organisations supporting communities within the 20% most deprived areas in the North East, specifically, County Durham, Tees Valley, Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. Grants will also support organisations working to addressing hardship, inequality, and disenfranchisement (up to the top 50% on the Index of Multiple Deprivation) where these issues may be less visible in public perception.
“This funding reflects our commitment to working in partnership with trusted community foundations to support communities where need is greatest. Through Belong North East, we are backing locally led action that brings people together, supports older people and strengthens community life in disadvantaged areas. We believe collaborative, place‑based approaches are essential to creating lasting, positive change.”
Matthew Roche, Head Grants Programme Manager, The Mercers’ Company
“Communities across County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East are proud and resilient, with people continuing to look out for one another.
“But growing pressures from poverty, poor health and isolation mean too many people are still struggling alone. Through the Belong North East Fund, our aim is to strengthen local support and help ensure assistance reaches those who need it most.”
Michelle Cooper, CEO, Point North
Funding for the Belong North East Fund has been awarded by Mercers’ Charitable Foundation, of which the Mercers’ Company is trustee.
For further information regarding the Belong North East Fund or to apply for funding visit Point North (County Durham and Tees Valley) or Community Foundation North East (Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland). Applications close 31.05.26.
Read more about the Mercers’ Company funding programmes here.