We’ve been awarded a ‘Triple A’ rating!

We are proud to share that Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation has been awarded the highest possible rating in the independent Foundation Practice Rating (FPR), recognising our approach to transparency, accountability and diversity.

We received three ‘A’ grades across all areas assessed – diversity, accountability and transparency – achieving a ‘Triple A’ (AAA) rating overall. We are 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, using information available in the public domain. 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, our Joint Chief Executive, 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 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. It also reflects the strength of the relationships we have with local charities and community groups. The insight and feedback they share with us plays a vital role in shaping how we deliver our work, as well as how we develop and deliver our funding.

"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.”

Each year, we distribute around £2.5 million in grants 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 assesses 100 UK charitable foundations annually, 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.

You can read the full Foundation Practice Rating report here.