The work of the newly-renamed Mansfield-based Forever Notts (Nottinghamshire Community Foundation) — and charities and community groups — was showcased at an annual event hosted by the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Nick Rubins.

Originally founded in 1997 as the Sherwood Coalfield Foundation, Forever Notts has distributed £30m in small grants to more than 3,000 community groups across Nottinghamshire.

The organisation said it was committed to connecting local philanthropists with causes that matter close to home, particularly those that improve quality of life for people across the county.

Forever Notts manages more than 50 donor funds. It said whether it was working with individuals, families, or businesses, it tailored each donor’s contribution to achieve the greatest possible impact, enabling donors to support causes far beyond what they could accomplish alone.

Almost 200 guests at the National Ice Centre heard stories surrounding philanthropy in Nottinghamshire, including the work of Brighter Futures Through Sport, a Nottingham-based charity committed to harnessing the transformative power of sport for the mental wellbeing of young minds; Salaam Shalom Kitchen Nottingham, a joint Muslim/Jewish Nottingham-based project serving hot meals to those in need; and the Proceeds of Crime Fund, which sees police forces re-allocate money confiscated from convicted criminals.

Forever Notts chief executive Nina Dauban said: “This is the only event of its type in Nottinghamshire, highlighting the projects and people that make this community thrive.

“It was an uplifting event to hear the real-life stories of these amazing community groups who make a difference across the city and county.

“Our aim is to ensure that charitable giving stays local and supports those in need in our own neighbourhoods.”

The foundation said it helps to build stronger communities by encouraging local giving and 100% of the the money it raises supports local charities and grassroots community groups.

It was renamed Forever Notts to encourage more donors to give locally and over the past year, it has awarded 239 grants worth a total of £570,927, benefitting 230,700 people.

A key part of the foundation’s work is legacy trusts, which Forever Notts administers on behalf of individuals, families, and organisations. These allow donors to create a lasting legacy, supporting specific areas of interest such as young artists or environmental initiatives, like planting fruit trees across the county.

By managing these trusts, Forever Notts ensures that each donor’s philanthropic idea is realised in a meaningful and sustainable way, providing ongoing benefits to the community for years to come.