One of Bradford’s leading independent accountancy firms, Watson Buckle, has revealed the first recipients of its £2,000 Community Fund, backing two well-known local initiatives.
The fund invited applications from organisations that support people in the community, encourage positive activity and would benefit from financial backing to sustain or expand their work.
It opened in October 2025 and received a strong response from charities and community groups across the district.
After careful consideration, the Watson Buckle team selected two winners whose work they believe reflects the spirit and purpose of the fund.
The inaugural awards go to One in a Million and Lister Park parkrun.
The money donated to One in a Million will support staffing, equipment and venue costs for Streetwise, its free football training programme for children and young people across its hubs in Bradford.
Mark Hughes, One in a Million’s Charity Executive, said: “OIAM is a Bradford District-based charity working with children and young people aged 5-19 in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged wards through our community programmes.
“We are delighted to have been awarded a £1,250 donation from the Watson Buckle Community Fund. These funds will go directly into supporting our Streetwise Football programme that gives young people structured Friday night sessions across our hubs, engaging them in positive activity at key risk hours.
“Streetwise Football strengthens physical health, builds confidence, teamwork and discipline, and provides trusted adult role models that reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and disengagement.
“By investing in this programme, the Watson Buckle Community Fund is helping us create environments where community cohesion grows and young people feel known, valued and supported.”
The remaining funds from the pot have been awarded to Lister Park parkrun in Bradford to help fund a new defibrillator, a requirement for the run to take place.
The free 5k run draws 350 to 450 people every week and is delivered entirely by volunteers without outside funding.
The team at Watson Buckle said they were delighted to help ensure the event could continue serving the local community safely.
A spokesperson for Lister Park parkrun said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Watson Buckle for their generous donation towards our new AED.
“This contribution, alongside the money previously donated from our regular participants, has enabled us to buy this vital piece of equipment. Without an up-to-date AED, we would not be able to have a parkrun.”
The Watson Buckle Community Fund was created to support groups and projects that make a positive difference in and around Bradford, where the firm’s team live and works.
Gillian McLoughlin, Director at Watson Buckle, said: “We were genuinely impressed by the quality of applications we received for our first Community Fund, but it was One in a Million and Lister Park parkrun that stood out to us for the difference they make to people’s lives in Bradford.
“One supports young people through positive activities and strong role models and the other brings hundreds of residents together through a free event that relies on goodwill and commitment. We are proud to support them both and to invest in the health and well-being of our community.”
“Our team know how much parkrun means to the community and we are really pleased to play a small part in keeping them running.”
The firm intends to continue to support the Bradford community in 2026 through charitable initiatives and the next round of its Community Fund.
For further information about the Watson Buckle Community Fund, please get in touch with Watson Buckle via www.watsonbuckle.co.uk.
