Tees Valley Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Decision Time: 4 weeks
• Grant Range: Up to £2,500 (Tees Million); £5,000+ (Tees Challenge)
• Geographic Focus: Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, and Redcar and Cleveland
• Established: 1988

Contact Details

Website: www.teesfoundation.org

Phone: 01642 989777

Email: info@teesfoundation.org

Address: Corvette House, Falcon Court, Preston Farm Industrial Estate, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3TX

Overview

Tees Valley Community Foundation (operating as Tees Foundation) was established in 1988 as a grant-making charity focused on empowering local communities to address disadvantage and exclusion across Teesside. The Foundation distributes funding through its flagship Tees Million programme. The Foundation operates under the ethos of being “at the heart of local giving, making community the cause,” working to ensure funding reaches small community groups that might otherwise be overlooked, particularly during challenging times.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Tees Million (Main Fund)

• Amount: Up to £2,500
• Application: Rolling basis, year-round availability
• Process: Online application portal (registration required)
• Decision Timeline: 4 weeks from submission
• Frequency: Groups can apply multiple times within 12 months

Tees Challenge

• Amount: £5,000+
• Purpose: For groups with larger needs or innovative ideas beyond standard grants
• Example: £36,500 awarded to Skelton Castle Cricket Club for practice facility and scoreboard
• Process: Contact foundation to discuss larger funding needs

Specialist/Bursary Funds

• Various special funds available with specific criteria
• Individual grants available through designated bursary funds only

Priority Areas

• Learning and education initiatives
• Good health and wellbeing programmes
• Sports access and participation
• Mental health improvement
• Community development addressing disadvantage and exclusion
• Projects supporting individuals and communities that might be overlooked
• Enabling small groups to continue essential community work

What They Don't Fund

Explicit Exclusions:

• Overseas travel
• Religious activities (exception: activities on religious premises benefiting the wider community)
• Individual grants (except through specific bursary funds)
• Schools projects that form part of the National Curriculum
• Organisations not operating in the five designated boroughs
• Organisations whose sole purpose is not supporting the community

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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

• Jeff Taylor - Chairman
• Emma Read FCA - Trustee
• Wendy Shepherd - Trustee
• Robin Smith - Trustee
• Peter Rowley OBE - Company Secretary

Executive Team:

• Hugh McGouran - Chief Executive
• Sarah Albaladejo - Grants Manager
• Hayley Wilson - Operations and Systems Manager
• Jonelle Bain - Finance Manager

Advisors:

• Tanya Gray - Specialist Advisor
• Angela Dinsdale - Specialist Advisor
• Angela Walton - Marketing & Communications

The Foundation describes itself as “a small team with huge experience and passion” working with “responsibility and integrity” to distribute grants, support local charities, and help local people achieve their potential. The board brings “intuitive knowledge and understanding of community issues” and “a wealth of experience working with many different donors from all walks of life.”

How to Apply to Tees Valley Community Foundation

How to Apply

Online Application System:

1. Register for an account at applications.teesfoundation.org
2. Complete online application form
3. Attach required documentation
4. Submit application

Required Documentation:

• Up-to-date, signed constitution or governing document
• Bank statement matching the applicant group's name
• Professional referee details (must be external to the organisation)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Bank account in the group's name
• Minimum of 3 members on board/governing body
• Ability to comply with safeguarding requirements (where applicable)
• Operation within one or more of the five designated boroughs

Decision Timeline

Standard Timeline: 4 weeks from submission to decision

Post-Award: Groups must provide project documentation after completion

Reapplication Policy

Groups can apply multiple times within a 12-month period, demonstrating an open and accessible approach to supporting ongoing community work.

Application Success Factors

Examples of Successfully Funded Projects:

• Skelton Castle Cricket Club: £36,500 for 33-metre fully enclosed practice facility and digital scoreboard
• BCT Aspire: Support for recreational activities for families, children, and young people (after-school clubs, fitness, music, youth clubs, Duke of Edinburgh)
• Leo's Neonatal: Counselling services for families with sick or premature babies

What Makes a Strong Application:

• Clear community benefit: Projects must clearly demonstrate how they address disadvantage, exclusion, or overlooked community needs
• Geographic alignment: Must operate within and benefit communities in the five designated boroughs
• Proper governance: Appropriate constitution, bank account structure, and governing body
• Professional references: External professional referee required
• Matched funding criteria: Applications are matched to various special fund criteria where applicable
• Safeguarding compliance: Demonstrate ability to meet safeguarding requirements
• Accessibility focus: The Foundation prioritises making funding “simple and easy” for groups making positive local impact

Foundation's Philosophy:

The Foundation emphasises getting “money directly to those who are making a difference,” supporting groups during challenging times, and reaching communities that might be overlooked. Applications demonstrating grassroots community impact and addressing genuine local needs align with this mission.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Accessible, rolling grants: The Tees Million fund operates year-round with no fixed deadlines, and groups can apply multiple times within 12 months—ideal for ongoing community programmes
• Fast turnaround: 4-week decision timeline allows for relatively quick planning and project implementation
• Geographic specificity matters: Must clearly demonstrate operation within Darlington, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, or Redcar and Cleveland
• Don't limit yourself to £2,500: If your project needs exceed the standard grant, engage with the Tees Challenge programme for larger funding (£5,000+)
• Governance essentials: Ensure all documentation is in order—matching bank statements, signed constitution, and three governing body members minimum—before applying
• Think beyond registered charities: Voluntary groups, community organisations, and town/parish councils are eligible, broadening accessibility
• Check current application status: Monitor their website and social media channels for updates on application availability

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Teesside Charity
• Two Ridings Community Foundation
• Lga Foundation
• The Ballinger Charitable Trust
• The 1989 Willan Charitable Trust
• The Sir James Knott Trust
• Hays Travel Foundation
• The Hadrian Trust
• The William Leech Charity
• Community Foundation Serving Tyne & Wear And Northumberland

References

• Tees Foundation official website: https://teesfoundation.org/
• Tees Foundation Grant Funding FAQs: https://teesfoundation.org/apply-for-teesside-community-project-grants/grant-funding-faqs/
• Tees Million Programme: https://teesfoundation.org/services/tees-million/
• Tees Foundation History: https://teesfoundation.org/about-us-tees-foundation/our-history/
• UK Charity Commission Register - Charity No. 1111222: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4018283
• Skelton Castle Cricket Club Case Study: https://teesfoundation.org/case_study/cricket-club-case-study/