Who are we?

In early 2012 a number of leading businesses met to discuss how they could maximise the impact of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity in relation to the community need of Darlington. As a result, Darlington Cares was established in October 2012. 

Since then, its membership has grown dramatically and the combined effect of its members' CSR has been hugely increased.

Darlington Cares offers a coordinated approach to corporate social responsibility by utilising the skills, expertise, knowledge and volunteering resources of local businesses and their employees. These are matched to bespoke volunteering projects or existing community groups and charities.

Volunteering projects are delivered across three key areas: 

• Education 
• Environment 
• Social Justice

We work closely with Darlington Partnership, the local authority, public services and the third sector, to identify and understand the key areas of need within the borough.

To date, our fantastic employee volunteers have given over 65,000 hours of volunteering in 11 years, helping out schools, community groups, charities and young people in some of the town’s most disadvantaged areas.

Darlington Cares is not for profit and is funded through a combination of public and private sector membership contributions and also grant funding through County Durham Community Foundation. We are kindly hosted by Darlington Borough Council.