30th July 2026
Cumbria Community Foundation has hit the incredible milestone of £75 million given out to grassroots good causes across the county.
Set up in 1999 to inspire local giving and help communities thrive, Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF) raises and invests money to support the people, places and causes that make Cumbria stronger. Today, CCF manages more than 150 funds on behalf of businesses, individuals, families and trusts across the county, awarding vital grants that enable local people to meet the challenges they face.
Generosity
In 2025/26, CCF awarded £5.3 million through 706 grants, helping community groups and individuals across Cumbria. This included 458 grants to groups and 248 grants to individuals, with average awards of £8,232 and £1,012 respectively.
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at CCF, said: “Reaching the £75 million milestone reflects the generosity of thousands of donors and the lasting impact of community organisations across the county. We’re proud that our experience and expertise mean we’re the trusted philanthropic partner for Cumbria.
“We target funding where it is needed most, creating the biggest impact in areas of greatest need, tackling poverty, health issues, inequality, community cohesion and climate change.
“We’re pleased with the impact our work continues to have but know that the need today is greater than ever.”
Sixteen new funds were set up with CCF in 2025/26, including several funded by notable Cumbrian businesses, including Grasmere Gingerbread, Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd and Westmorland, owners of Tebay Services and Rheged.
Other funds were established as a result of gifts left in wills by generous individuals, and others set up in memory of loved ones.
Organisations supported in 2025/26 included Artworks Art4All, a Barrow social enterprise on a mission to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people in Furness. CCF awarded £3,351 towards the cost of equipment, materials and transport for the Men’s Make and Mend group, set up in 2024 at the request of local men dealing with anxiety, loneliness and other mental health issues.
One participant, Dale, has found support from the group after the death of two close family members. “Just coming to this group instead of sitting at home helps me get through that and gives me a routine,” he said. “Just getting out the house and interacting with people really helps me.”
Cumbria Community Foundation carried out a survey earlier this year, asking people who received grants in the past three years for their feedback. More than 90% of respondents agreed that the application process was easy to understand, with clear eligibility criteria. More than 80% said they received good communication from CCF at every stage of the application process.
Supportive
One applicant said: ““Everyone I have dealt with at Cumbria Community Foundation has been consistently supportive, professional and genuinely keen to help. The advice, responsiveness and constructive approach make a real difference, particularly for small, volunteer-led organisations who are doing their best to develop strong and realistic funding bids. Even where applications are not successful, the way feedback and support is offered feels encouraging and focused on helping organisations improve rather than simply saying no, and that is hugely appreciated.”
A new online portal has been introduced to make the application process simpler and more efficient for groups and individuals applying for funding.
As demand for support continues to grow, CCF is encouraging more people, businesses and organisations to get involved by donating, establishing a fund or leaving a gift in their will to help make a lasting difference to communities across the county.
To find out more about supporting those in need in Cumbria, contact Development Manager Caroline Adams on 01900 820825 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org.