2026 President’s Awards

Cheshire Community Foundation Celebrates Grassroots Heroes at Annual President's Awards

Cheshire Community Foundation held its Annual President's Awards on 30 April, honouring five outstanding local charities and community organisations whose work is transforming lives across the region.

The prestigious event, sponsored by Bentley Motors, took place at the Eaton Estate, with thanks to the Duke and Duchess of Westminster. Guests included representatives from the winning organisations alongside the corporate and individual donors whose generosity makes the Foundation's work possible.

Now in its fourteenth year, Cheshire Community Foundation has distributed over £17 million in grants and supported almost a million people across Cheshire and Warrington. The Awards celebrate the grassroots organisations at the heart of that impact.

Bentley Motors, the Foundation's longest-standing corporate partner, sponsored the 2026 President's Awards.

Sally Hepton, Director of Government Relations & Sustainable Luxury, Bentley Motors, said:

"As founding donors to Cheshire Community Foundation, Bentley has seen first-hand the difference that local investment can make to communities across the region. Sponsoring the President's Awards is a privilege and a reflection of our long-standing commitment to Cheshire. We hope it encourages other local businesses to consider how they too can help the Foundation's vital work continue."

This year's theme was collaboration, reflecting the Foundation's belief that meaningful change happens when communities, charities and funders work together towards a shared vision.

"We have witnessed today the very best of our community. These organisations are doing something remarkable, often with limited resources, always with enormous dedication, and our donors make this work possible. Together we are building a Cheshire where we hope everyone can thrive."

Lady Redmond MBE LL CStJ,

President, Cheshire Community Foundation

The 2026 Winners

Stronger Communities Category

Alpha Omega Women Peace Security Foundation: Comfort Food Programme

This community cooking project brings together a diverse group of people, including migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, to promote inclusion, cultural exchange and skills development. The grant supported chef-led training, food hygiene certification for 40 participants and interpreting services, enabling people from a wide range of backgrounds to build new skills and lasting community connections.

Sustainability Category

Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside: Grozone Branching Out within Northwich

The Grozone Community Garden in Northwich serves as a local hub for environmental volunteering, food growing and wellbeing. This project brought together three community partners: Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, Weaver Hall Museum and Anderton Place assisted living residence, to develop new growing spaces, wildlife-friendly gardens and community volunteering programmes across the town.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Category

Holmes Chapel Boxing Club: The Fightback Club

Holmes Chapel Boxing Club has been running free weekly non-contact boxing sessions for people living with Parkinson's disease, delivered by qualified coaches. This grant enabled the volunteer-run club to continue the programme at no cost to participants, providing vital physical and emotional support to a group for whom such provision is life-changing.

Tackling Poverty and Deprivation Category

Inspiring Futures CIC: Fight to Strive

Working in the Blacon and Lache areas of Chester, Inspiring Futures CIC delivers sports-based sessions and life skills workshops for young people aged 13 to 18 living in areas of social deprivation. With dedicated mentors and qualified instructors, the programme offers young people a positive environment, practical skills and the kind of individual support that builds long-term resilience.

Education, Skills and Employability Category

Warrington Youth Zone: Leaders of Tomorrow

Warrington Youth Zone engaged 24 disadvantaged young people aged 14 to 18 in sports and personal development activities, providing a positive alternative to antisocial behaviour and youth violence. At least 20 participants progressed to completing a nationally recognised Level 1 Sports Leaders Qualification, with several going on to take up roles within the Youth Zone itself.