£44,000 Funding Boost to Help Coastal Communities Feel More Connected and Supported

Nine community groups along the North Yorkshire coast are celebrating a funding boost that will help people feel more connected, supported and confident in their everyday lives.

A total of £44,741 has been awarded through the North Yorkshire Coast Fund, distributed by Two Ridings Community Foundation, supporting projects from Scarborough to Whitby, Filey and nearby rural villages. Created thanks to a generous donation from the former Borough of Scarborough Council and additional donations from individuals passionate about the area, the fund focuses on improving mental wellbeing, supporting young people and strengthening the connections that help coastal communities thrive.

The North Yorkshire Moors National Park Trust is one of the projects receiving funding. They will be running monthly nature based sessions for families in Scarborough who face barriers to accessing the outdoors. 

James Metcalfe, Executive Director of North Yorkshire Moors National Park Trust, said:

“Funding from Two Ridings Community Foundation will enable us to support Scarborough families who face barriers to accessing nature, helping them to build confidence, improve wellbeing and feel a sense of belonging close to home.

“By removing financial, emotional and practical barriers, we can strengthen family relationships, improve mental health and create welcoming spaces where parents and children can share moments of joy, connection and discovery in nature.”

Another project supported in this funding round is North Sea Conservation (Whitby Lobster Hatchery), which will be running free community events celebrating marine conservation, coastal heritage and wellbeing. These will include hands on activities, lobster releases and festivals designed to bring people together and connect them with the coast.

All grants are awarded by a community led panel, which includes young people, residents, community leaders and council representatives. This ensures the funding goes to projects that reflect real local needs and lived experience.

Sarah Norman, Grants Officer at Two Ridings Community Foundation, said:

“Having young people on the panel makes a real difference. They bring honesty and insight, and a clear understanding of what matters to their peers and communities. Their voices help make sure the funding goes where it’s needed most.”

The North Yorkshire Coast Fund continues Two Ridings Community Foundation’s commitment to supporting coastal communities. Since the fund launched in 2024, £83,950 has been distributed through 18 grants across the former Scarborough Borough area. That investment has supported everything from grassroots mental health initiatives to youth led projects and community building activities.

In addition to North Yorkshire Moors National Park Trust and North Sea Conservation, funding in this round has been awarded to

• Flash Company Arts Ltd CIC,
• Seaside SaLT,
• Aphasia Support,
• WHISH – Whitby Hidden Impairments Support & Help,
• Sidewalk Youth Project,
• Art Therapy Yorkshire,
• Community Counselling (North Yorkshire) Limited, supporting creative activity, counselling, therapy and safe spaces for children, young people and families.

Applications for the North Yorkshire Coast Fund reopened this month, with grants of up to £5,000 available for direct project costs. 

People and businesses who care about their local area can also play a part. Donations to the North Yorkshire Coast Fund help support small, community led projects that make a real difference to people’s lives along the North Yorkshire coast.

More information is available at https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk