A firm belief of the Leeds Community Foundation is that everyone deserves a chance to make the most of their life and to reach their potential. The Canopy Housing Project equips local people with the practical construction skills that help them to transform empty houses into much loved homes, which fully supports our ethic. At the end of each project a volunteer will move into the home.

Individual and family philanthropy is the mainspring of community foundations' activity. The many different ways people choose to get involved to support our communities reflects their overwhelming generosity. In 2005, Helen McArdle had a very clear idea of what she wanted to achieve with her philanthropy. Helen wanted to help young people and families who were having a tough time and she knew this would require significant support over several years. Helen asked the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to identify local organisations which were really making a difference on issues such as homelessness, domestic violence and disability.

Founded by Liverpool FC's number 23, the 23 Foundation provides the youth of Merseyside with the means to make a difference in society by giving them an outlet rhough football and sport. Jamie donated the proceeds from his 2010 testimonial to create the fund which is now valued at over £1 million and was named Merseyside Philanthropist of the Year.

The 23 Foundation is currently looking to recruit marathon runners ...

Mary's efforts, completely voluntary, have helped to create a community driven initiative that has touched the lives of not only hundreds of local people, but has informed and inspired communities throughout the country and beyond.