30th April 2026
Nine community projects across Cumbria have received a financial boost totalling more than £14,000 from a charitable fund set up by a local engineering firm.
The Shepley Group Fund was established in 2009 by Whitehaven-based Shepley Engineers Limited to give grants to small, volunteer-led or community groups helping people facing disadvantage.
The fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, has awarded more than £150,000 in grants since then. In the last year, grants totalling £14,155 have been given to community groups and charities.
Howgill Family Centre in Cleator Moor received £2,000 towards the salary costs for a part-time Project Manager and Volunteer Coordinator to manage the West Cumbria Baby Bank project which provides post-natal safety and wellbeing to babies and parents.
This project aims to reduce the impacts of childhood poverty in west Cumbria by supporting vulnerable babies with a safe place to sleep, warm clothes and the essentials for early development.
Faye Eldon, Chief Executive of the Howgill Family Centre, said: “We are so thankful for the funding we have received from Cumbria Community Foundation. This funding will allow us to continue and expand our West Cumbria Baby Bank project this year.
“With the funding, we are able to provide the service which supports and improves post-natal safety and wellbeing of the baby and mother, as well as providing dignity and hope at this vulnerable time of their lives. The project provides baby clothing, moses baskets, cots, toiletries and essential baby equipment via referrals from midwives, health visitors, social services and other support agencies. Thank you so much.”
Healthy Hopes Cumbria was awarded £2,000 towards the cost of running weekly wellbeing groups in Carlisle and Wigton and employment charity Goodlives received £1,000 towards the cost of running services to support learners into work.
Other projects supported by the Shepley Group Fund included Proud and Diverse Cumbria, awarded £2,000 towards rent for the Colours Hub in Whitehaven, and Safe Families and Home for Good, who received £2,000 towards the salary of a Family Support Manager.
Engineering Development Trust received £1,405 to deliver Industrial Cadets Bronze Projects in two Cumbria schools to inspire young people into STEM careers and Cumbria Scout Council received £1,000 to buy two bell boats for Scouts to use at the Bassenthwaite Centre.
Ryan Christie, Group Operations Support Manager at the Shepley Group, said: “Being a Cumbrian based business, we are delighted that we can support the communities in which we operate by awarding this funding. We have held our fund with Cumbria Community Foundation since 2009 and we are incredibly proud that we have been able to help so many local charities since then and see the impact it has provided.”
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Shepley Group Fund makes a real difference to communities across Cumbria, funding vital projects which support those who need it most. We are really grateful that they trust us to deliver this essential work.”
Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £6million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through over 100 grant making funds set up by generous businesses, individuals and families.
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.