Impact Report - MK Community Foundation - Report - Page 2
Contents
Projects That Inspired Us
Our philanthropy team highlights just some of the memorable projects they’ve worked on.
01 About MK Community Foundation
03
02 A Message From Our CEO
04
03 Vital Signs
05
04 Arthur Ellis
06
05 Ukraine Appeal
07
06 UnityMK
08
07 Cycle Citizens
09
08 Truby’s Garden Tea Room
10
09 Olive Collective
11
10 Adoption Plus
12
11 Asian Community Radio MK
13
12 Newport Pagnell Baptist Church
14
Building on their
supplementary school,
they’ve created a thriving
support network through
annual events, laying the
foundation for long-term
sustainability.
13 Safety Centre (Hazard Alley)
15
14 Stony Stratford in Bloom
16
15 Highlights of our Year
17
16 Grants Awarded this Year
19
By encouraging social
interaction, cultural
exchange, and essential
support, this initiative
empowers Ukrainian
migrants to build resilience
and a true sense of
belonging, strengthening
communities for the future.”
17 Thanks to You
21
18 There’s Still So Much to Be Done
23
19 FairSpace MK
25
20 Message From Our Chair of Trustees
26
Jake Geelan
Philanthropy Director
Sarah Sibley
Philanthropy Manager
Samantha Snelus
Philanthropy Director
Damon Fox
Philanthropy Manager
Miranda Kennett
Philanthropy Manager
“It was inspiring to see the
impact our Cost of Living
Grant had on Unity MK’s work.
The cost of living crisis
only added to the need for
homeless support and this
grant helped the group to
meet the increased
demand for its vital services.”
“Raising the pro昀椀le of
menopause is so important
and this project helped
educate and provide a safe
space for women to share
their struggles with the
symptoms that often
can be debilitating.”
“The Violence Against
Women and Girls project
was a bold, research-led
response to a critical issue
in our Vital Signs report.
Recognising a service gap,
the Safety Centre developed
a proactive approach to
tackling violence against
women and girls.
With a focus on early
intervention, collaboration,
and sustainability, the project
is already transforming –
and saving – lives in Milton
Keynes. Its success is paving
the way for regional and
national expansion, shaping
safer communities for
future generations.”
“The case study video
makes it clear – the festival
was a huge success,
achieving its intended goals.
With so many activities
running simultaneously,
everyone stayed engaged,
even those usually hesitant
to try something new.
A surprising bonus was
that no one, especially the
young children, was on their
phones all day, making it a
truly inclusive experience.
It was fantastic to see
this MK Community
Foundation-supported
project come to life!”
“We are proud to have
funded three impactful
projects through the
Ukraine Appeal, fostering a
strong sense of community
among Ukrainian migrants
in Milton Keynes.
Unity MK page 13
Olive Collective page 11
Safety Centre page 15
Arthur Ellis page 06
Ukraine Appeal page 07
1 | MK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Front Cover Photography Credit:
Courtesy of Arthur Ellis Wellbeing Festival
MK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | 2
