Tees Valley Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1,000,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• 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
• Total Endowment: £14,000,000
• Total Awarded Since Inception: Over £30,000,000

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

Note: Applications are currently paused. Follow their social media channels for updates on when applications reopen.

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. With a £14 million endowment fund built through donations from local businesses and individuals, the Foundation distributes approximately £1 million annually through its flagship Tees Million program. Since inception, they have awarded over £30 million in grants, supporting approximately 300 groups and 200 individuals each year, directly helping over 60,000 local citizens. 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 Programs

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 programs
• 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
• Organizations not operating in the five designated boroughs
• Organizations 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.”

Application Process and Timeline

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 organization)

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

Current Status: Applications currently paused; check social media for updates on reopening

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the Foundation supports approximately 300 groups and 200 individuals annually, indicating significant reach across the region.

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-meter 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: Counseling 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 prioritizes making funding “simple and easy” for groups making positive local impact

Foundation's Philosophy:

The Foundation emphasizes 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 programs
• 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 program 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 organizations, and town/parish councils are eligible, broadening accessibility
• Check application status: Applications are currently paused, so monitor their social media channels closely for reopening announcements to be first in line

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 Program: https://teesfoundation.org/services/tees-million/
• Tees Foundation Team: https://teesfoundation.org/about-us-tees-foundation/our-team/
• UK Charity Commission Register - Charity No. 1111222: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4018283
• Billingham Legacy Foundation - TVCF Profile: https://www.billinghamlegacyfoundation.co.uk/tees-valley-community-foundation/
• Philanthropy North East - Tees Valley Community Foundation: https://www.philanthropynortheast.com/organisations/tees-valley-community-foundation