Small Charity Week 2026 - Community First Yorkshire

Promotional graphic for Small Charity Week, 22–29 June, with the slogan “Small Charities, Big Impact.” Includes a megaphone and an invitation to join the UK’s biggest celebration of small charities. Purple and white colour scheme.

We’re celebrating this year’s Small Charity Week

Because an estimated 80% of all charities in Yorkshire are small – often working at neighbourhood or village level.

Small Charity Week is a chance to celebrate the amazing work of small charities across Yorkshire – making a big difference to people’s lives every day. Whether it’s offering a friendly face, practical support, or a place to turn in tough times, these charities are at the heart of our communities.

They may be small, but their impact is huge. Rooted in neighbourhoods and built on trust, small charities connect people, support wellbeing, and step in early to help before problems grow. Together, they play a vital role in creating stronger, kinder and more resilient communities across Yorkshire.

Luke Charters, MP for York Outer

“Local charities, community groups and volunteers are often the first to respond when people need support. These organisations reach people in ways that statutory services sometimes can’t.”

Make a difference

Donate to one of the selected small charities between 22–29 June and your donation will be doubled. One donation. Double the difference.

Campaign partners, Big Give and Global’s Make Some Noise, can help small charities have an even bigger impact in 2026, through support and match funding. In 2025, more than £1.8m was raised for 189 small charities, providing them with vital unrestricted funding to further their impact.

Small charities change so many lives

From building confidence and skills to creating friendships and a sense of purpose, small charities don’t just transform lives in their local communities – they also help enrich the lives of the people who volunteer with them.

Maggie Pickard - a volunteer with Sight Support Ryedale

“It is great to show visually impaired people that they can create something, especially when they think that their sight loss stops them”

Small charities in action

Video: Why village halls matter for wellbeing

March 17, 2026/by Matt

From our garden to our table – growing confidence and connection
November 19, 2025/by Matt

How a simple conversation sparked a youth club that’s changing lives in Thirsk 💚
August 28, 2025/by Jo

Small Charity Week Shout Out

Each year, our Small Charity Week Shout Out on social media encourages charities across Yorkshire to shout about their work, share their stories and celebrate the difference they make.

To highlight the combined impact of our wonderful sector, each year we pose five questions ranging from what’s their greatest achievement, to top tips for small charities and what drives them to do what they do.

This year, we invited charities to answer one Shout Out questions on camera. We were delighted to attend a meeting of our lovely new Ryedale VCSE Network in Helmsley and caught up with Victoria Dean from Sight Support Ryedale and Heather Witty from Caring Together North Yorkshire.

Watch the videos below to hear what they had to say about the people and experiences that shape their work.

Support from Community First Yorkshire

Get in touch – you’re not on your own

Our expert team is just a phone call away. We can help with everything from funding, governance, safeguarding, policies and training, to volunteer management and long-term planning.

Contact our team