Individuals can get tax relief on gifts to charity of certain listed shares, securities and other investments. The tax relief applies if you give, or sell at less than market value, any qualifying investments to a UK charity.

Patron of the Foundation, Sir James Cropper KCVO was involved in the creation of the Foundation in 1997 when he was then Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria. The James Cropper Fund was established in June 2000 with a gift of shares valued at £23,000.  Further donations of shares have since been made and the Fund is now worth more than £230,000.

Donating shares can be very tax effective. It is a useful way of unlocking capital and passing it on to causes that matter. Sir James Cropper said: “My gift of shares helps contribute to the wealth of community life in our very special county.”

The James Cropper Fund’s return on investment contributes to the Foundation Grants Fund annually. Donations of all sizes are pooled together to grow this unrestricted fund and respond to the growing needs of local communities by providing much-needed funding, year on year.”

James continues: “I am confident my money is well directed and support is given to the wide variety of community projects in our county that I care most about.”

One project to benefit from the Fund is Nightstop, run by Depaul UK. It provides free emergency accommodation for homeless young people aged 16 to 25, in the homes of approved volunteers, on a temporary basis until a more appropriate longer term solution to their housing problems can be found.

The project received funding to employ a project manager to recruit and train volunteer hosts, as well as raise awareness across the county. Over ten households are currently offering accommodation across Cumbria with more in the recruitment process. The charity has also gained four volunteer drivers to help young people get to their Nightstop placements.