York Racecourse is again inviting applications for two local charities or community groups to join its Local Community Partnership Scheme for 2025.
Highlights from last year’s scheme included a surprise visit from their equine ambassador, Remy, to near neighbour Brainkind as well as Blueberry Academy taking part in the countryside market on an October raceday.
The racecourse’s described its relationship with Clifton Green Primary School as particularly special. That formed a partnership that will continue into 2025 alongside the two new partners.
Headteacher Nicola Green said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be continuing as a local charity partner of York Racecourse!
“The partnership continues to be really strong. A highlight of this year was the racecourse team coming complete with diggers and lots of enthusiasm to create a science garden for our students to enjoy.
“We look forward to building on this in the future and wholly appreciate the charitable support we receive from the entire team at York Racecourse and the experiences this provides to our children and community.”
The 2025 chosen partners will each be guaranteed £1,000 in cash, a “bucket collection” at York Racecourse, the opportunity to stage a fundraising event at a discounted rate, as well as the racecourse team offering practical help.
The services of Remy, the Racecourse’s equine ambassador, will also be offered to provide those “surprise and delight” moments.
This approach will sit alongside the already six-figure support provided to local charities, schools and other community organisations by way of raffle prizes that assist in their fundraising activities.
It will also complement the Ebor Community Sweepstake, a scheme that aligns good causes across York and the wider county with the Sky Bet Ebor, providing a £20,000 grant for first place, to specific projects.
In addition, since 1971, York Racecourse has been proud to support Macmillan’s single biggest fundraising event, Macmillan Charity Raceday, which continues to be the centre piece of York Racecourse’s charitable activity.
This year the 54th Macmillan Charity Raceday will be on Saturday 14 June 2025. So far, York has raised over £11 million for Macmillan.
Groups interested in becoming the racecourse’s community partner should fill in the application form. The closing date is Friday 25 April.