29 June 2026

Why place-based philanthropy matters

Blog post by Justin Sargent, Chief Executive of Somerset Community Foundation 

Last week, our Programmes and Partnerships Director Andy Ridgewell wrote about small charities that show up and stay – quietly embedded in their communities year after year, long after the headlines have moved on. 

I want to pick up that thread, because the same is true of the people who fund them. I’m also thinking about the ‘Our Place to Give’ plan launched by the Government in April, which encourages and celebrates the role that ‘place-based’ philanthropy plays (and could play) in transforming our communities.  

What place-based philanthropy looks like 

We manage dozens of Funds established by local donors who want their giving to stay close to home. One of these is the C&JP Fund, created by Chris and Jane Powell in 2011 to support outstanding projects in the Sedgemoor area. 

Over the years, their Fund has contributed to the £215,000 we have awarded to On Your Bike, a social enterprise based in Taunton and Bridgwater that takes donated bicycles, repairs and restores them, and sells them at affordable prices. The work diverts waste from landfill and makes cycling accessible to more people. But that’s only part of what they do. 

Through their workshops, On Your Bike has helped hundreds of people, many of whom are outside mainstream employment, develop practical skills, gain qualifications and experience the confidence that comes from meaningful work. 

More than writing a cheque 

When philanthropy operates at a local scale it gives donors, if they wish, a chance to really become involved and connected with the change they want to be part of, enriching their experience and magnifying the impact of their funding. The relationship between the charity and the Powells started when their son undertook volunteering at the charity, and they haven’t looked back.  

Chris puts it simply: 

“For us, it’s never been just about donating. It’s about backing people we believe in and building relationships that last. We believe in long-term commitments, offering our support, experience and encouragement alongside funding. That’s the real value of local, place-based philanthropy.” 

On Your Bike’s general manager, Tracey Mock, reflects on what that partnership has meant in practice: 

“Chris and Jane’s financial contributions have been invaluable, but equally important has been the consistent personal guidance Chris has provided over the years. Their genuine understanding of the charity, combined with a hands-on approach, has enabled them to appreciate the challenges we face. This ongoing partnership continues to play a vital role in helping us sustain and grow our work.” 

Why it matters 

When local donors commit for the long term, offering not only funding but their time, expertise and encouragement, something shifts. Giving becomes a partnership. And partnerships help communities, and the organisations at the heart of them, thrive. 

SCF exists to make that kind of giving possible. We connect people who care about Somerset with the organisations that need them most – and we stay in it for the long-term, just like the donors and charities we work with. 

If you’d like to explore how you could give in a way that really lasts, learn more about giving through SCF.