25th June 2025
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.