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.
This event also marked the beginning of a new partnership between Leeds University Business School and Leeds Community Foundation (LCF), a collaboration rooted in shared values and a mutual commitment to driving positive change across the city.
Opening the event, Professor Julia Bennell, the School's Executive Dean, emphasised the alignment between the University’s values and the Foundation’s mission. She noted that the partnership with LCF reflects the alignment with the Business School’s strategy and purpose in helping develop innovative solutions for society, foster a community of responsible leaders, and strengthen the civic role of the University. The partnership also reinforces the University’s focus on civic engagement, demonstrating commitment to working collaboratively with local partners to support long-term, inclusive growth in Leeds.
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.
As the new partnership between LCF and the Business School begins, both organisations reaffirmed their dedication to civic engagement and to working together in ways that strengthen the city’s communities and create lasting social impact.
Find out more about Leeds Community Foundation.
Find out more about how Leeds University Business School is working with businesses.
