Two Ridings Community Foundation has announced a major new long-term commitment to THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate District.
A local woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has pledged to leave around £1 million in her will to the fund, alongside monthly donations of £5,000 during her lifetime.
The new fund, which is now managed as part of THE LOCAL FUND, will focus on supporting charities and grassroots groups that improve the lives and wellbeing of children and young people across the Harrogate district.
This extraordinary act of generosity was shaped in partnership with her financial adviser, Melanie Park of Cooper Park Wealth Management.
The donor chose a dual approach to giving: a significant legacy gift via a Self-Invested Pension Plan (SIPP), and ongoing monthly contributions that will have an immediate impact on children and young people in the community.
Celia McKeon, Chief Executive of Two Ridings Community Foundation, said:
“This is a wonderful moment for THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate district.
“The donor’s vision—to support children and young people now and long into the future—is deeply inspiring.
“Her generosity means we can sustain and expand our support for vital projects improving mental health, tackling poverty, and fostering wellbeing among children and young people.”
Melanie Park of Cooper Park Wealth Management added:
“My client cares deeply about the Harrogate community and wanted to ensure her wealth would create real, lasting change—especially for the next generation.
“Working together, we created a giving plan that reflects her values and passion. It’s a privilege to help her shape this legacy.”
Over the past seven years, THE LOCAL FUND has supported around 30 community organisations annually across Harrogate and its surrounding areas, tackling key local challenges such as mental health, hidden poverty, and youth isolation.
Some of the organisations THE LOCAL FUND made grants to last year include:
- Essential Needs, providing bedding for children living in poverty;
- The Wellness Gateway, offering mental health support to young people and their families;
- Rossett Local Nature Reserve, enabling local school children to engage with nature through a new pond-dipping platform.
The new fund represents a game-changing dedication to ensuring such vital work continues—and grows.
Celia McKeon said:
“This donor’s commitment shows that giving doesn’t have to wait.
"By supporting local communities both now and in the future, she’s creating a legacy of hope, opportunity, and care for generations to come.”
To learn more about Two Ridings, THE LOCAL FUND or how to become a long-term donor, visit: https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/
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