In this article, Lord Hastings explores how Community Foundations can have a key role in the government’s aim to level up the UK. Building on the success of their vital role in the pandemic response, they offer an effective existing tool for addressing some of the root causes of vulnerability at the local level if effectively integrated and embedded into national social protection systems and leveraged as a resource for national preparedness and resilience. Lord Hastings’ article espouses an asset-based approach towards developing community capacity, building from – and not replacing – existing networks and arrangements.