What we do

We work in partnership with individuals, businesses and public sector organisations to create lasting, positive change across Buckinghamshire. By awarding funding to local not-for-profit organisations, we help strengthen communities and improve the lives of people across the county.

Our grants and loans support a wide range of vital causes, from skills and training for young people, befriending services and mental health counselling, to projects helping children with additional needs, people experiencing homelessness, and cancer support groups.

As one of Buckinghamshire’s largest funders, we are proud to have awarded nearly £7 million to local causes over the past three years, helping charities and community groups deliver essential services where they are needed most.

Heart of Bucks Community Foundation is a registered charity and part of a network of 47 community foundations across the UK, all committed to making a difference to the lives of local people. We are also registered with the Fundraising Regulator.

The vision that created Heart of Bucks in 2000 (formerly Buckinghamshire Community Foundation) was the idea of the late Sir Nigel Mobbs; a well-known Buckinghamshire businessman and the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire between 1997 and 2005. In North America, community foundations were already well-established and, seeing the power of people coming together through their giving to build thriving communities, Sir Nigel wanted the same for Buckinghamshire.

It was 1914 when the first Community Foundation was created in America and the idea has since spread worldwide. In the UK there are now 47 organisations, all part of the UK network of community foundations, but each is also an independent organisation run by local people, for local people.