• Swindon & Wiltshire Governance
• Thursday March 19 2026

Community Foundation named one of UK’s best

An organisation that distributes around £2.5 million in grants each year to charities, community groups and individuals across Wiltshire and Swindon has been named among the best in its field.

Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation has been awarded the highest possible rating in the independent Foundation Practice Rating, placing it among the UK’s leading charitable funders for its approach to transparency, accountability and diversity.

The Community Foundation received three A grades across all areas assessed – diversity, accountability and transparency – achieving a Triple A rating overall.

It is one of just three organisations, out of 100 funders assessed nationally, to achieve the top overall rating this year. Since the rating began, only four organisations in total have achieved an overall AAA rating.

The Foundation Practice Rating independently reviews charitable grant-makers across the UK. Funders cannot opt out of the assessment or influence the results.

The initiative was developed in response to growing recognition that charitable foundations can exercise significant influence in communities, and that greater transparency and accountability can help build trust and improve grant-making practice.

The rating focuses not on what foundations fund, but on the practices and policies that shape how funding decisions are made.

Vicky Hickey, joint chief executive of Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation has received the highest possible rating in the Foundation Practice Rating.

“Being recognised as one of only three funders nationally to achieve an overall AAA rating this year reflects the importance we place on openness, accountability and fairness in our work.

“As a community foundation, our role is to connect people who care with causes that matter across Wiltshire and Swindon. Ensuring our grant-making is transparent, inclusive and accountable is fundamental to building trust with the communities, charities and donors we work alongside.

“These principles are central to our strategy and to the way we work, including our commitment to open and trusting grant-making.

“This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our team, trustees and volunteers who work hard to ensure we make a meaningful difference. While we are proud of this recognition, we know that the needs of our communities continue to change, and we remain committed to listening, learning and strengthening how we work.”

Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation distributes around £2.5 million in grants each year to charities, community groups and individuals across Wiltshire and Swindon, supporting projects that tackle inequality, strengthen communities and help people overcome disadvantage.

The Foundation Practice Rating is now in its fifth year and each year assesses 100 UK charitable foundations, with a different randomly selected group included each time.

The initiative was launched by Friends Provident Foundation, and the research is carried out by the independent organisation Giving Evidence.