Leeds Community Foundation (LCF) has helped more than 300 community and voluntary groups and has distributed more than £8m in grants in its four-year history.

Almost £4m was given away in the past 18 months alone.

The organisation works by distributing grants from Government, Trusts and charities such as Comic Relief, and by channelling money donated by individuals and businesses into community groups in disadvantaged areas.

It is also the key partner in the Yorkshire Evening Post's annual Community Cash Giveaway.

At LCF's annual review at the Sky Lounge at the City Inn, Granary Wharf on Monday, supporters were invited to take part in a game of 'philanthropoly', combining philanthropy with Monopoly and throwing in elements of TV's Dragon's Den and Secret Millionaire.

Guests – including Leeds business people and Lord Mayor Councillor Judith Elliot – were invited to award funding vouchers to three community groups who had all presented 'pitches' to the potential 'investors'.

The vouchers – worth £10,000 – will now be turned into cash by Leeds Community Foundation and presented to the three winning groups.

St Peter's Spa, a skincare social enterprise started by a formerly homeless woman, was awarded £3,300.

Leeds Mencap received £3,600 and Barca Leeds, which provides a range of community services including alcohol and drugs counselling, was handed £3,100.

Sally-Anne Greenfield, chief executive of Leeds Community Foundation, said: "The Community Foundation has two key roles: to act as a philanthropy advisor and as an expert grant maker.

"Our aim is to be the first call for people and companies thinking about donating, investing or distribution money to local causes in Leeds."

Highlights of the past year's work at Leeds Community Foundation include meeting its own target to raise £184,000 to build up an endowment fund for Leeds.

A Dragon Boat race in Clarence Dock raised £30,000 in July and the first ever Change Leeds Day in October launched a special City of Leeds Fund.

Guests at City Inn were also invited to sign up to LCF's "100 Club".

The Foundation wants to recruit 100 patrons who will donate £1,000 a year to cover the £100,000 operating costs.

Call Amanda Wingfield on 0113 2422426 for more details or email amanda@leedscommunityfoundation.org.uk.