Northamptonshire Community Foundation has reached a major milestone after awarding £25 million in grants and bursaries during its 25 years of supporting local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups.

The charity announced the achievement in a message from the chief executive, Rachel McGrath, as it continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary, saying the funding has been made possible through the generosity of donors and supporters across the county.

June has also been a busy month for the foundation, with staff joining partners to celebrate volunteers at the Rose of Northamptonshire Awards. The annual event, supported by North Northamptonshire Council, West Northamptonshire Council, Wicksteed Park and the Lord-Lieutenant's Office, recognises the contribution made by volunteers across the county.

The foundation also took part in the Northampton Legal Walk alongside Northamptonshire Law Society, the University of Northampton and HCR Law. The event raises money to improve access to justice and support people who need legal advice.

placeholder image — NCF CEO Rachel McGrath.

Beyond Northamptonshire, the charity has also joined forces with neighbouring community foundations following the recent train crash near Bedford.

Working with Luton and Bedfordshire Community Foundation and Forever Notts Community Foundation, it has launched an appeal in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust to support those affected by the incident.

Rachel McGrath, chief executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said the collaboration highlighted the important role community foundations can play during times of crisis.

She said: "June has been a month of celebration, recognition and community spirit across Northamptonshire.

"As we mark our 25th anniversary, we are incredibly proud to announce we have now awarded £25 million in grants and bursaries, made possible by the generosity of our donors and supporters working together to make a real difference in our local communities."

Looking ahead, the foundation has also launched its 25 Stories of Change project, which will see a series of short films produced to celebrate the people, projects and partnerships that have benefited from local giving over the past quarter of a century.

Funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation in partnership with the Academy for the Development of Philanthropy, the films aim to showcase the impact of community fundraising and encourage continued support for charities and community organisations across Northamptonshire.