Welcome to Community First Yorkshire

Growing confidence, connection, and community

A woman in a green jumper looks thoughtful on a colourful banner promoting Create26: A Brighter Future Together, taking place 21 May in Harrogate. There is a Book Now sign and Community First Yorkshire logo. A woman in a green jumper looks thoughtful beside the text “Create26: A Brighter Future Together.” The Community First Yorkshire logo appears at the bottom on a blue and yellow background. More information on Create 26BOOK NOWMay 21 | Harrogate
A group of people stand outside a stone building in the countryside, smiling and talking. Text reads: Welcome to Community First Yorkshire. Growing confidence, connection, and community. Five adults stand in a circle talking and smiling outside a stone building on a sunny day, with green hills and other people visible in the background. Some wear name badges, suggesting a social or community event. CFY Fade - blueMore about Community First YorkshireSign up to our newsletterGrowing confidence, connection, and communityWelcome to
Community First Yorkshire

Welcome to Community First Yorkshire

Stronger communities start with strong organisations and groups.

We help voluntary and community groups and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations develop the skills, connections and support they need to grow their impact and make sure their voices are heard loud and clear.

Two smiling adults sit at a table and look at a laptop in a community centre. Leaflets are spread out on the table, and a noticeboard labelled Community Information is visible in the background.

News & views

Stories, news and views from our work supporting communities and the voluntary sector across North Yorkshire.

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Four adults sit outdoors in a village setting, engaged in conversation. One man gestures whilst speaking; the others listen attentively. A stone building and noticeboard are visible in the background.

Get support

Practical support, advice and guidance to help community groups and organisations grow and thrive.

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Get involved

Find ways to get involved, support your community and help make a difference locally.

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Learning & events

Workshops, events and learning designed to support communities and organisations.

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About Community First Yorkshire

Our vision is a vibrant Yorkshire where inclusive, resilient communities thrive and everyone has the chance to live well. We support charities, community groups and local organisations to grow stronger, more connected and more confident. From funding advice and training to leadership development, digital inclusion and rural advocacy, we offer trusted guidance and hands‑on support.

By working side‑by‑side with partners and communities to share knowledge, build confidence and amplify local voices, we can respond to local needs and tackle challenges together. At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: when communities thrive, Yorkshire thrives.

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Latest news

A sandy beach in Scarborough, bordered by green hills and a town with historic buildings, including a large, ornate hotel. People stroll along the shoreline and promenade under a partly cloudy sky, livening up the lively atmosphere.

Sprucing up Scarborough

May 7, 2026/by Cat Giggal
A garden table with seeds, tools, and baskets sits on a terrace overlooking a North Yorkshire beach and castle. Wildflowers bloom nearby. The tablecloth reads VILLAGE GREEN, with playful seaside and floral stickers celebrating local events.

Village Green joins local events across North Yorkshire this May

May 7, 2026/by Matt Trumble
Smiling older woman with curly hair stands in front of a blue background. Next to her is a quotation from Maggie Pickard about volunteering, highlighting its sense of purpose and the joy of building friendships.

Meet Maggie: finding friendship, purpose and creativity through volunteering

April 21, 2026/by Rachael Gillbanks
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Latest video

Alec Shelbrooke MP, in a light grey suit, striped tie, and glasses, stands outdoors in a sunny garden with green bushes and a red brick house, engaging with local communities.

Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP praises the strength of local communities

April 17, 2026/by Rachael Gillbanks
Eight women, Age Friendly Ambassadors, stand in a row outside a building on a sunny day, smiling at the camera. Casually dressed, they appear to be part of an age friendly team on a stone paved pavement.

A warm welcome to our first Age Friendly Ambassadors

April 16, 2026/by Rachael Gillbanks
A man wearing glasses and a jacket stands beside a green quote box that reads, It’s great to hear about the work to build the capacity and capability of VCSEs... to do more with limited resources. Community First Yorkshire logo. Luke Charters MP is present.

Luke Charters MP visits Community First Yorkshire

March 31, 2026/by Jo Fox
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Latest blogs

Smiling older woman with curly hair stands in front of a blue background. Next to her is a quotation from Maggie Pickard about volunteering, highlighting its sense of purpose and the joy of building friendships.

Meet Maggie: finding friendship, purpose and creativity through volunteering

April 21, 2026/by Rachael Gillbanks
A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair stands in front of a graphic featuring a quotation about navigating change in charities. The text includes Community First Yorkshire, Kate Lee OBE, NCVO, and a Book Now button for Create 26.

BLOG: Looking ahead to Create 26: Navigating change together

April 20, 2026/by Rachael Gillbanks
A smiling woman stands in front of a brick village hall with a clock above the door. Beside her, a colourful graphic displays icons, the word Blog, and the Village Halls Week logo, promoting rural wellbeing and the importance of village halls.

BLOG: Celebrating the heartbeat of rural wellbeing in Village Halls Week

March 16, 2026/by Rachael Gillbanks
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Latest podcasts

Episode 14: Utopia isn’t the end… it’s the beginning

Episode 13: Fur-lined Ruts and the Freedom to Fail

Episode 12: The Curious Case of the Umbrella in the Boardroom

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A man holding a clipboard talks to three people in green uniforms and gloves, standing by a wooden gate in a grassy outdoor setting, with trees and stone walls in the background.

Volunteering in North Yorkshire

Volunteering is at the heart of thousands of charities and community groups across North Yorkshire. 

The essential help that so many groups give to young people, families, older residents, people with disabilities and wider communities simply could not happen, in most cases, without volunteer support. 

And in return, volunteers get the chance to discover a whole new side to life – experience new things, meet different people, share skills and make a difference. It’s rewarding, flexible and there’s something for everyone. 

Whether you’re a charity or community group looking to recruit volunteers, or you’re someone ready to explore new opportunities, we’re here to help you take the next step. 

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Find a new job

All 7 /Age Friendly Network 0 /Community buildings 0 /DBS Checks 0 /Digital Inclusion 0 /Get involved 0 /Get support 0 /Health and wellbeing 0 /homeworking 1 /Jobs 0 /Leadership 0 /Membership 0 /Men’s Sheds 0 /Networks 0 /North Yorkshire 1 /Partners 0 /Pateley Bridge 3 /Podcast 0 /Projects 0 /Resources 0 /Rural support 0 /Support in North Yorkshire 0 /Volunteering 0 /York 2
A colourful kingfisher bird sits on a branch against a white background, with the text Looking for a new perch? in blue letters on the right.

North Yorkshire: Adviser to Unpaid Carers (Veterans), Carers Plus Yorkshire

A curious squirrel clings to the side of a tree, looking forward. To the right, purple text reads, Ready for your next jump? on a white background.

Pateley Bridge: Project Officer (Vibrant & Sustainable High Streets), Nidderdale Plus Community Hub

A small brown and white dog stands alert with its mouth open, looking up. To the right, large pink text reads, Don't take your eye off the ball! on a white background.

York: Freelance Advisers, Welfare Benefits Unit

A colourful kingfisher bird sits on a branch against a white background, with the text Looking for a new perch? in blue letters on the right.

Pateley Bridge: Digital Champion and Minibus Days Out Coordinator, Nidderdale Plus Community Hub

A giraffe eating leaves looks at the camera against a white background. Text in the top right reads, Reaching for new heights? in brown letters—perfect inspiration for any Skipton Head of Programme.

Pateley Bridge: Community Hub Assistant, Nidderdale Plus Community Hub

A colourful kingfisher bird sits on a branch against a white background, with the text Looking for a new perch? in blue letters on the right.

York: Projects Manager, Community First Yorkshire

Find funding

We can help you become ‘funding ready’, find the right funds to apply for and help you develop applications. See below for resources, training and videos from funders to equip you on your funding journey. Sign up to our free funding portal, Open4Community, to set up tailored funding searches and receive personalised updates straight to your inbox.

For more information contact info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk or call 01904 704177.

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Four people sit around a table with a laptop, papers, notebooks, and a mug, having a discussion. They appear focused and engaged, collaborating in a cosy, well-lit meeting room with noticeboards in the background.

Learning & events

Want practical guidance on how to keep your organisation safe or how to promote it to the local community? Our training covers everything from governance to how to submit a winning funding application and getting to grips with social media.

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