Stonebridge City Farm has received a grant from The Duncan & Toplis Foundation, providing vital support to one of Nottingham’s most valued community hubs. Located in St Ann’s, an area ranked within the top 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, the farm plays a key role in supporting local people through education, engagement and inclusive activities.
The funding will support the farm’s volunteer community, which includes around 150 active individuals. Around 65% are aged 25 or under, with many facing additional challenges such as mental or physical disabilities, learning needs or difficult personal circumstances.
Stonebridge City Farm also works closely with local colleges to provide placements for young people outside mainstream education, ensuring opportunities remain accessible and impactful for those who often need them most.
The grant will contribute towards essential staffing costs needed to support volunteers effectively. With the right guidance and structure in place, individuals are able to gain practical experience, build confidence and develop valuable life skills that can support their long-term prospects.
Free to enter, Stonebridge City Farm welcomes up to 1,200 school children each year, alongside families and visitors from across the community. Beyond being a popular tourist destination, it serves as a vibrant social and educational hub, offering multicultural events, environmental learning and a wide range of inclusive community activities.
David Archer, Fundraising Lead for Stonebridge City Farm, commented: “Stonebridge City Farm has been in existence for 47 years and was born out of a local campaign to create a community asset to be enjoyed by all. We are able to remain free-to-enter and to continue to grow our support for the local community because of funders such as The Duncan & Toplis Foundation, without whom we could not survive, and the local area would be socially poorer.”
If you would like to support the continued work of The Duncan & Toplis Foundation, you can donate here. Alternatively, if you’re looking for funding for a local community initiative, find out more about our grant criteria and how to apply here.
