Norfolk Businesses Buck Charity Trend as Donations Rise
Amid a national decline in corporate charitable contributions, Norfolk businesses are distinguishing themselves through robust support for local communities, in collaboration with the Norfolk Community Foundation.
Recent research by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) indicates a 34% decrease in charitable donations from FTSE 100 companies over the past decade, despite a 49% increase in combined pre-tax profits during the same period. In contrast, Norfolk-based companies are intensifying their philanthropic efforts.
Conversely, Norfolk Community Foundation has seen funding levels remain constant across the same period, and even rise among some individual local businesses.
Handelsbanken’s Norfolk branch has been actively involved with the Community Foundation for several years, and in recent years have been focusing their efforts on supporting mental health initiatives. Handelsbanken raised over £33,000 at their charity ball last year, which they will soon be investing in community initiatives with help from Norfolk Community Foundation. Branch Manager Peter Danes commented:
“Corporate Social Responsibility has been top of our agenda for the past 20 years since we set up in Norwich. I think the same can be said for most Norfolk Businesses because being part of the local community, we really do care. We are very passionate about Norfolk and we feel we can make a difference, however large or small. For Handelsbanken Norwich, we set up our community fund because we wanted to make sure that our fund raising efforts were very much targeting some of the most vulnerable in our County.
Working with the Norfolk Community Foundation is a perfect fit. They have so much knowledge and local expertise which does enable us to get in front of some very special and deserving charities. A part of the experience, NCF really do go above and beyond and very much become part of the Handelsbanken Team, joining our Charity Ball Committee and helping us with our fund raising endeavours too. Together I think NCF and Handelsbanken are a dynamic force for good and I am so proud of what we have a achieved together.”
Leathes Prior, another leading firm in the region, has significantly increased its in-kind support over the past year. Rhiannon Bond at Leathes Prior, said,
“At Leathes Prior, we are proud to support Norfolk Community Foundation in its mission to champion local charities that make a real difference in our community. Not only has it allowed us to play a small part in helping brilliant organisations, but it has also been an incredibly valuable experience for our team, giving them the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of local projects.”
Last year, the firm supported 5 local charities with professional services ranging from lease checks to compliance training and legal advice. One local cancer support charity, Star Throwers, received legal support. Charity leader Victoria Pigg said,
“Without this, the charity would have had to pay for this support – this money would have to come from charity funds and therefore would not have been spent on our free cancer support services.”
Last year, the Foundation launched their Good for Good programme which makes it more straightforward for businesses to donate their time, assets or money to local charities. They also help businesses understand and communicate their impact. Sophie Berry, head of the innovative programme, said:
“Both Leathes Prior and Handelsbanken give in different ways, but the benefit is the same: more support for those who need it most. The Foundation brings people together like no one else can to achieve social impact, and makes it easy for businesses to see and understand the difference they’ve made.”
The Norfolk Community Foundation is organising an event called Illuminate Norfolk on March 12, 2025, from 6pm at the Norfolk Showground. This interactive showcase will celebrate the innovative and impactful social projects made possible through collaborations between voluntary organisations, businesses, and communities. The event aims to illustrate that “Together, Norfolk Shines Brighter.”
As the Charities Aid Foundation emphasizes, if all companies in the UK were to donate at least 1% of their pre-tax profits, charities could receive an additional £5 billion annually. Norfolk businesses, in partnership with the Norfolk Community Foundation, are leading by example, demonstrating that even in challenging economic times, supporting the community remains a priority.
Illuminate is kindly sponsored by local businesses. Find out more here.
