Community groups that help children and young people build confidence and essential life skills through sport and physical activity can now apply for funding of up to £5,000.

Funded by the New Balance Foundation (NBF), the Get Active Fund supports community groups and charitable organisations helping children and young people become more active, especially in places where not everyone gets the same opportunities.

The New Balance Foundation is the corporate charitable foundation of footwear and apparel firm New Balance Athletics, which has a manufacturing base in Flimby, West Cumbria. The fund is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and will award grants of between £1,000 and £5,000, although one grant of up to £10,000 may be considered.

Projects should do more than just promote fitness – they should help young people grow. That could mean mentoring, coaching courses, or even interview practice. The fund is especially keen to support young people who face extra challenges or have fewer chances because of their background or life situation. Projects that aim for long-term impact, such as better health, more confidence, or improved education and job prospects, are strongly encouraged.

Paola Bethmage, UK-based Global Grants Manager with the New Balance Foundation, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation through the NBF Get Active Fund to support grassroots initiatives that promote sport and physical activity among children and young people. Their deep expertise and trusted relationships within the community make them an invaluable partner as we align with New Balance Foundation’s mission to empower youth through community-led, outcome-driven programmes that foster lifelong health and success in Cumbria, a community that is so important to New Balance.”

The New Balance Foundation Get Active Fund was launched last year and has already supported several organisations across Cumbria.

It enabled Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project to deliver outdoor adventure sessions for girls, including climbing, paddle sports, and hiking. Led by qualified instructors, the programme builds confidence, teamwork, and emotional wellbeing, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Stuart Dunnett, Project Director for Whitehaven Harbour Youth Project, said: “The girls’ group enjoyed the extra activities that the New Balance Foundation funding has allowed them to undertake, which has really helped their team building skills and confidence. They look forward to more fun sessions in the lake this summer on paddleboards and also ghyll scrambling.”

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The New Balance Foundation Get Active Fund provides vital funding to charities and organisations that are working hard to keep communities healthy and improve the life chances of those who face additional challenges. We are really pleased to continue to work with the New Balance Foundation and look forward to seeing the range of projects seeking funding.”

The closing date for applications to the New Balance Foundation Get Active Fund is Friday 18 July 2025.

Applications are welcomed from charitable and not-for-profit organisations who can demonstrate that their work makes a lasting difference.

Priority will be given to projects based in, or benefitting the communities around Flimby, where the New Balance factory is, and to organisations working with marginalised children and young people, especially those who:
• are not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
• are at risk of school exclusion
• are refugees or asylum seekers, or are newly arrived migrants
• have experience of the care system
• are affected by exploitation, homelessness, or domestic abuse

To find out more about the fund, go to the fund page on our website, call Tracy Cheesbrough on 01900 512395 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org. Anyone applying for more than £5,000 should contact Tracy first.

Cumbria Community Foundation awards around £7 million in grants annually to local charities and voluntary groups through over 100 grant making funds created by local people, families, and businesses who want to make a difference.

To find out more about setting up a fund and supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.

A major new report into life in and around Carlisle heralds a bright future for the area, but also highlights significant issues faced by local people.

Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges was commissioned by Cumbria Community Foundation to examine the area’s social needs and community issues, showcasing work already being undertaken to address disadvantage and identifying opportunities to help communities thrive.

The report highlights major investment in Carlisle and the surrounding rural areas, including projects such as St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine and improvements to Carlisle Station. It also reports a thriving tourism industry, with more than 7,000 people working in the sector, serving almost 8 million visitors each year.

The report also shines a light on some of the issues yet to be addressed including:

• Mental health – there is unprecedented demand for services for people of all ages, leading to ever growing waiting lists
• Poverty – Carlisle has the most households (8,976) on Universal Credit in Cumbria and this number is rising.
• Ageing population – there are rising rates of dementia among older adults with many expressing concern about availability of support services and the ongoing impact on their carers.

Working to tackle these and many other challenges is a rich and diverse community sector, with more than 300 constituted voluntary and community organisations in and around Carlisle contributing widely to improve quality of life.

Kevin Walsh, Vice Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation, led the steering group made up of local people who worked on the report to ensure it reflected the needs and priorities of the Carlisle area.

He said: “This report has captured the views and voices of hundreds of local people, all deeply committed to where they live, and combined it with the most up-to-date statistics.

“The report highlights the challenges facing our communities and the opportunities to make a difference. Carlisle has much to offer, it has a diverse economy, is well placed on the national transport network, good schools, a growing educational offer, hardworking people, a beautiful setting, deep and fascinating history, a diverse mix of community groups and charities and a great sense of community.

“However, sitting alongside this is growing poverty, alarming increases in mental ill health and major differences in life expectancy, low pay, increased risks of flooding linked to climate change, an ageing population and a charity sector under great strain as it seeks to respond to these issues.

“It is my belief that this report can be a catalyst for our local leaders, communities and organisations to consider how to work together even more effectively – to help build on our opportunities and address our challenges.”

The report covers topics including employment and skills, health and wellbeing, and ageing well, and is based on extensive independent research and interviews across all sections of society in Carlisle and the surrounding area. More than 400 people completed a survey giving their views on life in Carlisle, with the results also feeding into the report.

Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges follows three similar reports produced by the Foundation since 2017: one looking at the whole county, and others focusing on West Cumbria and Furness.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said: “This report will be a focus for debate and action to make Carlisle and the surrounding area an even better place to live, work and study. As with our previous reports, we hope this will be a key resource for charities and public bodies to help with their strategic planning and future funding asks.”

The report was made possible by funding from a wide range of contributors including the former local authorities serving the area, the Riverside Group, Kingmoor Park and Sellafield Ltd.

Read the Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges report.

People living and working in Carlisle and the surrounding rural areas are invited to the launch of a landmark report into life in the area.

Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges was commissioned by Cumbria Community Foundation to examine the city’s social needs and community issues, highlighting work already being undertaken to address disadvantage and identifying opportunities to help communities thrive.

The report covers topics including employment and skills, health and wellbeing, and ageing well, and is based on extensive independent research and interviews across all sections of society in Carlisle and the surrounding area.

More than 400 people completed a survey giving their views on life in Carlisle, with the results also feeding into the report.

Carlisle: Opportunities and Challenges follows three similar reports produced by the Foundation since 2017: one looking at the whole county, and others focusing on West Cumbria and Furness.

A steering group made up of local people led the work to ensure the report reflected the needs and priorities of the Carlisle area, chaired by Kevin Walsh, Vice Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation.

Kevin Walsh said: “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the production of this report, which has captured the views and voices of hundreds of local people and combined these with the most up-to-date statistics.

“We know the findings will be of great interest to many community groups, businesses and individuals, and will be a focus for debate and action to make Carlisle and the surrounding area an even better place to live.”

All are invited to join the online launch of the report at 6.30pm on Wednesday 18 June. Register online to secure your place.

The report was made possible by funding from a wide range of contributors including the former local authorities serving the area, the Riverside Group, Kingmoor Park and Sellafield Ltd.

Community groups across Cumbria are set to benefit from a new long-term fund established by two of the county’s most dedicated civic leaders.

The Matson Ground Fund, founded by Alex and Samantha Scott, will be managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and will distribute £100,000 in grants each year for the next 10 years, creating a total investment of £1 million into charitable activities across the county.

The fund aims to strengthen communities by supporting charitable organisations that bring people together, encourage local action, and enhance the natural and built environment.

Grants of up to £15,000 will be available to charities, non-profits, and volunteer-led groups working within Cumbria. Priority will be given to projects that:

• Support children and young people, particularly in rural and underserved areas
• Address the needs of vulnerable or underrepresented communities
• Promote volunteering and community participation
• Encourage environmental sustainability and climate-friendly initiatives
• Foster collective action and community-led solutions to local issues

Alex Scott, Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria and a trustee of Cumbria Community Foundation, and Samantha Scott, former High Sheriff of Cumbria, are passionate about supporting grassroots action across the county. The Matson Ground Fund reflects their deep commitment to local communities and aligns with the Cumbria Lieutenancy’s new Strategy, set to be launched in September.

Alex and Sam Scott said: “We are committing these funds to support initiatives that promote a thriving, equitable community life in Cumbria. Guided by new research into civil society by the University of Cumbria, we aim to support people and organisations addressing pressing societal issues. We are delighted to collaborate with Cumbria Community Foundation to further our impact, reach, and objectives.”

Applications to the Matson Ground Fund are now open. Further information, including eligibility criteria and guidance on how to apply, can be found on the Foundation’s website at: www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/matson-ground-fund

If you would like to discuss a potential application, please contact the Grants Team on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Alex and Sam for their generosity and long-term commitment to Cumbria. The Matson Ground Fund will help strengthen the fabric of civic life across our county – supporting local people to lead change, build stronger communities, and tackle the issues that matter most to them. It’s a powerful investment in the potential of Cumbrians to shape a more connected, resilient, and inclusive society.”

Cumbria Community Foundation awards around £7 million in grants annually through over 100 funds created by local people, families, and businesses who want to make a difference.

To find out more about setting up a fund or supporting those in need across Cumbria, please contact Caroline Adams, Development Manager on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org