MFC Foundation is the independent charitable arm of Middlesbrough FC, working across Teesside to raise aspirations and change lives for the better.  We work with over 35,000 disadvantaged people every year to help make Teesside a better place to live, learn, work and play.

We rely heavily on the generous support of our local business community to help us achieve our mission. In response to corporate feedback we have introduced our Friends of the Foundation scheme. Friends of the Foundation donate a minimum of £500 a year and help us in a number of ways, including:

• Increasing the funding available to support disadvantaged people in Teesside
• Assisting us to spread the word about the work we do
• Helping us plan for the future growth of the charity

As a member of the network, you will receive a number of benefits, including:

The funds raised through Friends of the Foundation membership in 2020 year will be used to:

• Help us grow our ‘Roary’s Class Acts’ programme which raises the attendance of children in Primary School and supports better attainment.
• Develop our programmes that support those struggling with poor mental health to overcome their barriers and give them hope for the future.
• Continue our ‘ClubTogether’ project that brings communities together and educates them in order to promote cohesion and build stronger communities.

MIDDLESBROUGH FC FOUNDATION are delighted to be one of Barclays’ UK charity partners, chosen for the meaningful work we are doing with Tees Valley Community.

In April, Barclays announced a £100m Community Aid Package to support charities that are helping people and communities most impacted by COVID-19. Alongside a colleague-matched fundraising initiative and the £10m pledged through their 100×100 Programme, Barclays is donating funds to charity partners across the UK, Americas, Asia and Europe to ensure help reaches those who need it most.

The donation to MFC Foundation is £100,000, money which will be used to fund the continuation of its work of distributing food parcels to those who need it most at this time. Working with the Food Poverty Partnership, the Foundation will also ensure that the funds are used to enhance sustainable food options in Tees Valley for the foreseeable future, ensuring that there are accessible and affordable options available for local people.

Helena Bowman, Head of MFC Foundation, the oldest professional football club charity in the country, (this year we’re celebrating our 25^th year), said: “This is a significant investment for MFC Foundation and will make a huge difference to individuals in our community who, unfortunately, are in a position where they require support with food. We will ensure that this funding is used to sustain a long-term impact and we would like to thank Barclays for their generosity.”

Barclays chosen partners in the UK include those who are meeting the immediate needs of low-income families, those facing financial hardship, isolated elderly people, NHS staff and key workers.

Judith Richardson, Barclays Relationship Director, said: “This crisis has had an unprecedented impact across the UK and we know this is an incredibly challenging time for many in the Teesside region. By reaching those most in need of support, local charities, such as Middlesbrough FC Foundation have played a vital role in this crisis to date, and no doubt they will do going forward.

“As a proud member of our community, we are doing everything we can for our customers, clients and colleagues, and we hope that our partnership with Middlesbrough FC Foundation will allow many others to access the help they need as this crisis develops.”