Together We Thrive: The Woking Community Fund Story
Established in 2012, the Woking Community Fund was created by local businessman, Jim McAllister, and a group of dedicated volunteers who wanted to invest directly in the wellbeing of Woking and its surrounding villages. Jim and several other volunteers formed the first volunteer panel and set out to raise funds to help regenerate local communities and build partnerships. Their vision was simple: raise local funds to support local people — especially those who are vulnerable or excluded.
Supported entirely by donations from individuals, families and businesses who care deeply about their area, the fund has now awarded over £307,000 in grants, benefiting more than 23,000 people across the borough. Around a quarter of this funding has supported projects improving health and wellbeing, alongside a wide range of community-led initiatives addressing isolation, poverty and inequality.
Making a Difference on the Ground
Some of the Woking charities this fund has supported include:
MASCOT – Supporting Community Resilience
A £5,000 grant helped Maybury & Sheerwater Community Trust (MASCOT) maintain vital community hubs serving residents facing isolation, language barriers and financial hardship. Funding supported core costs, enabling services such as English classes, a Friendship Café, IT and benefits support, foodbank access and warm hub provision. Over 600 visits per quarter were recorded, with residents gaining confidence, skills and a trusted place to turn for practical help and social connection.
Silver Friends – Reducing Loneliness for Older People
With a £5,000 grant, Silver Friends expanded its social and befriending services for isolated older residents. The funding supported staff coordination and the delivery of regular clubs, outings and special events. Service user retention was close to 100%, with many participants describing renewed confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging — often through what was their only social outing of the month.
Home-Start – Supporting Families in Crisis
A £10,000 grant enabled Home-Start to fund core coordinator roles, supporting families facing challenges including mental health issues, poverty, disability and domestic abuse. Over one year, 366 families received tailored support through home visits, crisis intervention and specialist groups. Nearly all reported improved wellbeing and reduced isolation, with volunteers providing thousands of hours of practical and emotional support.
Local Giving, Lasting Impact
The Woking Community Fund shows the power of place-based philanthropy — where local knowledge, volunteer leadership and community generosity combine to create long-term change. Every donation helps strengthen the social fabric of Woking and ensures support reaches those who need it most.
If you would like to support the Woking Community Fund, you can donate here Woking Community Fund
Details of other area funds in Surrey can also be found here CFSurrey Area Funds