Rooted in community: S2 Partnership celebrates two years of local giving

When S2 Partnership established its community fund with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation two years ago, it marked a new chapter in a commitment to local giving that had been building for years.

“At S2, giving back has always been a core part of our culture,” says Andy Smith, Managing Director. “While we wanted to support those in need, we were initially unsure where to focus our efforts. Partnering with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation has provided guidance and local insight, allowing us to direct our support where it matters most.”

That focus is deliberately close to home. S2 Partnership has been based in Elsworth for over 25 years, and many of its employees are from the surrounding area. For Andy, that local connection shapes everything about how the fund operates.

“While S2 operates globally, our roots in Elsworth keep us grounded. Being part of a small community helps us better understand where our contributions can make the most tangible difference. The fund’s local focus ensures our support reaches the communities closest to us.”

Andy Smith from S2 Partnership discusses how the fund has been supporting organisations close to their office in Elsworth

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We’re excited to continue supporting projects that matter to our team and community. We hope to fund even more projects, and to continue bringing S2 employees together through fundraising and volunteering. Above all, we want the fund to keep making a lasting, positive impact in the local community.
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Andy Smith
S2 Partnership

Priorities that reflect people

The S2 Partnership Community Fund offers grants of up to £5,000 for community projects within 10 miles of the company’s head office, with a focus on children, young people and families, STEM education, health and wellbeing, and local green spaces. These aren’t arbitrary categories – they reflect what S2 Partnership’s own people care about.

“The fund has helped shift our focus from national charities to local initiatives,” Andy explains. “Its priorities reflect both what matters to our employees and our company values. These areas align with our broader business goals and areas of expertise.”

That alignment has translated into real impact on the ground. Funded projects have included Blue Smile’s mental health therapy in local schools, CamCare UK’s STEM workshops for young people, and Caring Together’s vital support for young carers.

“The fund has also helped unite staff around a shared purpose,” Andy adds, “and creates meaningful impact in our local area, while aligning with our CSR goals and commitment to supporting projects that deliver real value.”

How the partnership works

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation manages the fund on S2 Partnership’s behalf, handling the full grants process – from receiving applications and assessing organisations to ensuring funded projects are delivering on their promises. S2 Partnership retain the choice of which priorities to support and which grants to approve, but without the administrative complexity of running a programme alone. It’s a model designed to make meaningful local giving straightforward for businesses, wherever they’re starting from.

Two years on

Reaching the two-year milestone is a moment Andy reflects on with evident pride.

“It’s hard to believe it’s already been two years – the time has flown! Looking back, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference the fund has made, not just in the community but within our team. From enabling children to access therapy, providing young carers with much-needed breaks, to giving disadvantaged youth opportunities in STEM education, each initiative demonstrates our commitment to wellbeing, education, and community resilience.”

Two years in, the S2 Partnership Community Fund is proof that local giving creates ripples far beyond the initial investment. We’re proud to stand alongside S2 as that story continues to unfold. Here’s to the next two years!

Projects funded by the S2 Partnership Community Fund

Find out how a grant awarded through the S2 Partnership Community Fund, is making a significant impact to the community served by Cambridgeshire Search & Rescue.

Cambridgeshire Search & Rescue – All Terrain Vehicle Project