Each year the civic party selects charities to support for their year in office. In 2026 to 2027 The right honourable Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Margaret Wells, and The Sheriff of York, Geoff Cossins, will be supporting 1 local charity:
During their year in office, along with their Consorts, they will fundraise for the charity as well as aiming to raise the charity's profile by driving awareness and new opportunities.
There is a fundraising committee formed for the year which includes the civic party, representatives from each of the charities and other members invited to join by the civic party. Fundraising events, such as the annual Assize of Ale.
York has a fantastic culture of volunteering with 70% of us doing some form of unpaid work for the community. The Civic Party are committed to support all charities, social enterprises, churches, and faith communities serving the people of York, and welcome all invitations to highlight and celebrate their contribution.
York Cares
York Cares is a charity with York at its heart, dedicated to making our city a better place to live and work.
For over 20 years the charity has been committed to helping local communities thrive. Their projects respond to the city where it needs them most, inspiring young and out of work people to reach their full potential, tackling social isolation, and supporting urban green spaces across York.
Working in partnership with over 30 of the city’s leading employers, their collaborative approach brings local people together to make a tangible difference to the place we live. In 2025, over 2000 employee-volunteers teamed up on York Cares projects, donating over 10 thousand hours of their time.
York Cares' projects make a lasting, city-wide impact to York. In 2025, their volunteers helped improve over 37 green sites, inspire over 3000 pupils, donate over 4000 items to collections, and connect 270 older and younger neighbours to one another.
York Cares is for York, guided by York - bringing people, communities and businesses together to create a happier, more connected city.
Shared York CIC
York Cares is supported by Shared York CIC.
Shared York CIC is a York-based community interest company that brings people together through culture, creativity, and shared experiences.
Their work focuses on reducing loneliness, strengthening community connection, and improving wellbeing by creating inclusive, small-scale cultural activities across the city. These include music events, exhibitions, storytelling, and community-led gatherings that are accessible, welcoming, and meaningful.
Shared York CIC place a strong emphasis on supporting York residents, while also creating opportunities for visitors to engage with the city in a more respectful and connected way. By working with local artists, independent venues, and community partners, they help build a more inclusive and balanced city experience.
As a Community Interest Company, all their work is carried out for public benefit, with any surplus reinvested into community activities and programmes.
Shared York CIC is proud to support the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal 2026 to 2027, contributing through community-led events and cultural experiences that bring people together and strengthen York’s sense of belonging.
Also see
The Civic Office
Civic Services