Leeds Community Foundation marks 20 years of impact with business-led social change event

Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds University Business School hosted "The Business of Giving: 20 Years of Impact" on Thursday 20 November.

The event brought together local donors, businesses, community organisations, and academic leaders to reflect on the ongoing value of investing in Leeds, not only financially, but through people, partnerships, and purpose.

Held at University House, the event built on the Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebrations and highlighted its two decades of work distributing £70m in grants to more than 150 programmes supporting issues from mental health and digital inclusion to poverty, homelessness, and youth voice.

Opening the event, Professor Julia Bennell, the School's Executive Dean, emphasised the alignment between the University’s values and the Foundation’s mission. Steph Taylor, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Foundation, underscored the ongoing need for investment, pointing to significant inequalities across Leeds and calling on businesses to use their influence to help create fairer, more resilient communities.

A panel featuring representatives from business, academia, and community organisations – including Boost Talent, Hamara Healthy Living Centre, Hippo Digital, and Leeds University Business School – shared insights on effective partnerships, motivations for social impact, and the transformative effect of sustained support for grassroots organisations.

The discussion reinforced that meaningful impact relies on strong relationships, shared purpose, and listening to lived experience. Closing remarks echoed a collective commitment to building a Leeds where opportunity is not determined by postcode, and where collaboration between sectors continues to shape a fairer future for all.

Find out more about Leeds Community Foundation.

Find out more about how Leeds University Business School is working with businesses.