Support Peterborough's Future through a Community Fund

A city of opportunity facing critical challenges

Peterborough is a vibrant and historic city, home to one of only two cathedrals in Cambridgeshire. As one of the fastest growing economies in the UK, Peterborough sees a record number of new businesses launched within its boundaries annually, making it a beacon of entrepreneurial success.

This rapid growth comes with significant challenges that threaten the quality of life for residents. Our latest Vital Signs report has identified pressing issues, including:

Health inequalities which contribute to the average life expectancy in Peterborough being 5 years less than in South Cambridgeshire.
Youth opportunity gaps that limit young people’s potential. There is a higher percentage of young people not in education, employment or training in Peterborough than elsewhere in the county.
Troubling youth crime rates that impact community safety and young people’s life prospects. The rate of children cautioned or sentenced in Peterborough is 3.6 per 1,000, compared to 1.9 across the rest of the county.

These challenges require more than short-term fixes – they need sustainable, strategic solutions that can grow with our city.

Read other community insights in our Vital Signs report

How the Fund for Peterborough works

As an endowed fund, it is designed to provide sustainable, long-term support through strategic grant-making to the charities and community groups addressing our city’s most pressing needs.

The fund is an evergreen resource that invests its donations, thus ensuring that, as Peterborough continues to grow and prosper, so too does our capacity to support those who need it most.

Why support the Fund for Peterborough?

While we welcome donations of all sizes to support the Fund for Peterborough, donations of £5,000 are eligible for additional benefits, including:

Influence grant-making decisions

A donation of £5,000 or more makes you eligible to join our fund panel for two years. As a member of the panel, you will help direct resources to community initiatives addressing some of the most pressing local issues, gaining valuable insights into Peterborough’s social landscape.

Receive measurable impact reporting

Access compelling content, success stories, images and videos that demonstrate your donation’s tangible impact – perfect for your ESG reporting and stakeholder communications.

Access exclusive networking opportunities

Connect with fellow community leaders at our annual Peterborough event, building relationships that benefit both your business and our city’s future.

Streamline your team’s volunteering

Deploy your team’s expertise where it matters most through our Foundation-managed Skills Bank. We connect your team with vital local causes, maximising impact while minimising administrative burden and risks for your business.

Find out more about our Skills Bank

“
My company has been working in Peterborough since 2003. We’re very proud of our city and its surrounding countryside and feel that it is very important for businesses to play their part in the growth and regeneration of the city and to help those who need it. We’ve worked with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation for many years and are looking forward to working with them on this exciting new Fund for Peterborough.
”
Richard Astle
Athene Communications

Your support will reach causes like Family Voice Peterborough

This charity supports parent carers of children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, offering:

Information, signposting and help to secure services best suited to support the children
Events, workshops and training sessions to empower parent carers
Liaison with statutory services to improve local service provision

The Foundation’s grants have funded affordable family trips, peer support sessions and IT equipment, among other initiatives and resources.

Help us today to build a better tomorrow for Peterborough

Every donation ensures immediate and future impact in the Peterborough community.

Your contribution will support vital causes addressing Peterborough’s challenges – from providing safe community spaces to creating opportunities for young people and tackling health inequalities.

If you’d like to make an online donation today, please use the donation form.

Get in touch to discuss how you could support the Fund for Peterborough

Michael O’Toole | CEO

Email Michael