East End Community Foundation (EECF) is calling for stronger investment in place-based giving and grassroots community action as new research published by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) reveals low levels of local pride in parts of East London.
The new UK Local Giving 2026 report found that nearly half of people surveyed across the UK do not know whether charities are making a positive difference where they live and where there is a stronger sense of local pride, people are more generous and more engaged in their communities. In East London, the research highlighted particularly low levels of local pride, with only 44% of people in Poplar and Limehouse and 45% in Bethnal Green and Stepney saying they feel a strong sense of pride and belonging in their local area. Just 54% of people in both constituencies felt charities had made a positive impact locally.
The findings come as Government launches its new Our Place to Give strategy, designed to grow place-based philanthropy and strengthen local giving across England. The strategy is closely linked to the new Pride in Place programme, which will provide investment to communities across the country – including three areas in the Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, and Newham.
EECF says the report demonstrates why long-term investment in local communities, trusted grassroots organisations and resident-led action is essential, particularly in areas facing entrenched inequality, poverty and social division.
Tracey Betts, CEO at EECF said:
“These findings should concern all of us because they point to a growing disconnect between people and the places they live. In parts of East London, too many people do not feel a strong sense of local pride or connection, and many are unsure whether charities are making a meaningful difference in their communities.
“At the same time, we know from decades of working alongside local organisations that when communities are properly invested in, people do feel more hopeful, connected and proud of where they live. Grassroots charities play a huge role in creating that sense of belonging – whether through youth work, community organising, advice services, cultural programmes or neighbourhood spaces that bring people together.
“The Government’s new focus on place-based philanthropy is welcome because it recognises that lasting change happens when local people, businesses, funders and charities work together around the needs and strengths of a place. That approach has always been at the heart of what community foundations do.”
The CAF report also found a strong relationship between local pride, community engagement and charitable giving. Areas where people felt more connected to their communities were more likely to donate, volunteer and believe charities were having a positive local impact.
EECF says this reinforces the importance of supporting local giving initiatives that connect donors directly with communities and grassroots organisations across East London.
For more than 35 years, EECF has worked with residents, businesses, philanthropists and community organisations to channel funding into neighbourhoods facing some of the deepest inequalities in the East End. The Foundation says programmes like Pride in Place have the potential to strengthen civic participation and aid long-term community-led change – but only if investment reaches trusted local organisations with deep roots in their communities.
Ms Betts added:
“Pride in place cannot simply be created through regeneration alone. It comes from people feeling seen, valued and able to shape the future of their neighbourhoods. Community organisations are often the glue holding places together, particularly during difficult times, and they need sustained support if we want communities to thrive. As a Community Foundation, we’re perfectly positioned to help. We already have excellent place-based giving models in place, so we’d like to call on more businesses and individuals to step up and work with us to build stronger communities across East London.”
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