Author: Cumbria Community Foundation
Search launched for the best young business brains
The hunt is on for the best young business brains in Furness and West Cumbria – with £1,000 in funding awarded to those selected.
Positive Enterprise is a programme run by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP) to help people aged 14 to 25 go into business.
Successful applicants will be mentored by an experienced businessperson for six months, alongside workshops and coaching in business skills such as communication and leadership. They will also each receive £1,000 to spend on equipment, marketing or other business start-up costs.
The programme has run successfully for three years in West Cumbria and is now being extended to Furness for the first time. It is open to anyone aged between 14 and 25 living in the former districts of Allerdale, Copeland and Barrow, and in the wards of Broughton & Coniston, Furness Peninsula, Ulverston East and Ulverston West. Up to 20 places are available for the next intake, which will launch in January 2026.
The scheme is funded by Sellafield Ltd as part of its Transforming West Cumbria programme, Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd, the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund and individual donors including Jan Ambler.
Businesses which have been developed under the scheme so far include sustainable clothing brands, a football coaching company, art and craft producers, and self-care packages for people undergoing chemotherapy.
Thomas Henderson, 18, of Cockermouth took part this year with his garden maintenance business. He said: “The best thing about Positive Enterprise has been the opportunity to take an idea I care about and turn it into something real. Being surrounded by other ambitious young people and getting the chance to pitch my project made it feel like my ideas actually mattered. It gave me a huge confidence boost.
“Before this, I saw business mostly as a way to make money. Now I realise how powerful it can be as a tool for solving real problems and helping people. It’s shown me that business and social impact don’t have to be separate – they can actually work hand in hand.”
Rhianna Smith, Project Lead at the Centre for Leadership Performance, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the fourth year of Positive Enterprise, and especially proud to be extending the programme for the first time into both West Cumbria and Furness.
“At the Centre for Leadership Performance, supporting young entrepreneurs is a core part of our wider strategy to build enterprise skills, leadership and confidence at every age. Seeing these young people turn their ideas into real ventures is inspiring, and we’re delighted to be part of the next generation’s entrepreneurial journey.”
Fantastic track record
Key to the success of the programme is the recruitment of local businesspeople to act as mentors to the young entrepreneurs.
Georgina Goulding, owner of Bakes by Gina and Beach Road Bakehouse in St Bees, was a mentor this year, and has also taken on a Positive Enterprise participant from a previous year as a business administration apprentice.
She said she would highly recommend applying, both to young people and potential mentors. “It has been absolutely amazing taking part in this scheme and I really hope to be involved again in the future.”
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, encouraged both young people and potential mentors to consider applying.
She said: “The programme has a fantastic track record of helping young people fulfil their dreams and turn their business ideas into a reality. We’re so grateful for the support of our funders and mentors giving up their time to share their skills and experience.”
Two online information sessions will be held for anyone wanting to find out more about Positive Enterprise, on Wednesday 26 November and Wednesday 10 December, both 5.30pm to 6:30pm.
For more information, and to apply for a place or to be a mentor, go to https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/positive-enterprise/. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 9 January 2025.
Youth work heroes celebrated at Better Tomorrows Awards
Youth workers, youth projects and young volunteers from across Cumbria were celebrated at a new awards ceremony this week.
The Better Tomorrows Awards 2025 were created to shine a spotlight on those making a real difference to the lives of young people through youth work.
Awards were handed out to the Youth Worker of the Year, Youth Project of the Year, and Young Volunteer of the Year as part of the annual Better Tomorrows Youth Work Celebration Event at Carlisle Youth Zone
Better Tomorrows was launched by Cumbria Community Foundation in 2021 with the aim of substantially increasing the number of young people able to access quality youth work across Cumbria and increasing the number of trained youth workers.
So far, £2.5 million has been raised from more than 50 funders, enabling youth work for over 8,000 young people through 61 trained workers, 46 new jobs, 116 volunteers, and 22,230 hours of provision.
The event on 12 November brought together youth workers, young people, funders, and community organisations to celebrate the progress to date and hear about future plans.
Awards were handed out to winners chosen by a panel of young people from a longlist of nominations by members of the public. Each winner also received £500 toward their youth project or group.
Fourteen-year-old Evie Owen was named Young Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to Wigton Wombles, run by North Allerdale Development Trust. Evie has been volunteering for five years with the group, helping to run litter picks, craft sessions and other community projects.
She said: “I help the little ones if they’re struggling. To be nominated for Young Volunteer of the Year makes me feel really good. It was a big surprise to win. I just like helping the community.”
The award was sponsored by Mott MacDonald. Marc Goodwin, Senior Project Manager and Social Value Delivery Lead based in Cumbria, said: “We are passionate about the contribution being made to improve the lives of people in our communities by such purpose-driven young people. Such young people embody Mott MacDonald’s values because they too appreciate that every action and decision we take is connected to improving lives and delivering value to society. Those nominated inspire us by their insights, wisdom and compassion that many take a lifetime to master.”
Lindsey Atkinson, Community Engagement Producer at Tullie in Carlisle, was named Youth Worker of the Year. She said: “I work hard to reach out, break down barriers and always work on others’ terms. Collaboration is at the heart of it all and I love helping people to turn their amazing ideas into real experiences.
“I was really surprised to be nominated for this award. I’ll let the young people decide what to spend the prize money on – maybe a trip or a big party.”
The award was sponsored by Nuclear Waste Services. Samantha McKenzie, Principal Community Engagement Manager, said: “Nuclear Waste Services is proud to sponsor the Youth Worker of the Year category at this year’s Better Tomorrows Awards. We deeply value the dedication and impact of youth workers, whose tireless efforts are instrumental to the success of the programme and the positive change it brings to young people’s lives. Their role in helping young people realise their full potential is truly vital.
“It’s been a privilege to support Better Tomorrows since its inception in 2021 and have greatly enjoyed witnessing its growth and continued success.”
Shackles Off, based in Seascale, was named Youth Project of the Year. Operations Manager Joanne Pears said: “It’s so nice for the team to be recognised in this way. The whole reason we exist is for the young people so we’ll let them decide how to spend the £500.”
The award was sponsored by Dodd & Co. Partner Alison Johnston said: “Huge congratulations to all the inspiring winners. We were delighted to sponsor the Youth Project of the Year category, as supporting the new generation is something we truly value at Dodd & Co – it’s all about celebrating their incredible achievements and empowering young people to reach their full potential.”
Keynote speaker Andy Lloyd, Head of Quality and Standards at the National Youth Agency, shared valuable insights into national youth strategy development and celebrated the unparalleled impact of Better Tomorrows – pioneering a professional pathway that is redefining youth work and opening doors to meaningful careers with young people.
He said: “What’s happening here in Cumbria with youth work training is amazing, but that’s not the picture across the country. Nationally, two-thirds of the sector don’t have a recognised youth work qualification. Youth work as a profession is often overlooked and misunderstood.”
David Beeby, former Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation and founder of the Better Tomorrows programme, said: “It’s so important to recognise the value of youth work. The feedback we have had from the newly trained youth workers, the young people they support and the organisations they work in tells us that Better Tomorrows is making a huge difference across the county.
“These awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the incredible work happening across our communities – both paid and voluntary – to support and inspire young people.
“Congratulations to all of the winners, to those shortlisted and to everyone nominated – every one of you is a winner, as far as I’m concerned.”
As well as funding to pay for accredited youth work training, which is managed by Cumbria Youth Alliance, Better Tomorrows also offers multi-year grants of up to £75,000 to community organisations that set up or provide new youth work opportunities for local people.
More than 50 funders have contributed to the programme, including Cumbria Community Foundation, Francis Scott Trust, Four Acre Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, many local businesses and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
For more information about Better Tomorrows, and how to support it, contact Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 820827 or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.
Help older Cumbrians stay warm this winter – every pound doubled
As winter approaches and temperatures plummet, older people across Cumbria are sharing their fears of having to make an impossible choice: heat their homes or put food on the table.
Every winter, as many as 500 older people in Cumbria die because they cannot afford to heat their homes and eat properly.
Cumbria Community Foundation is calling on people to support its annual Winter Warmth Appeal, which has raised £3m since it was first launched in 2010.
Donate here
Money donated to the appeal is given out in grants to older people most in need, enabling them to stay warm without worrying about the cost.
Last year more than £270,000 was awarded in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefitting 1,570 vulnerable older people across the county.
“The cold affects my breathing”
John, 85, of Penrith, received a grant from the fund last year. He said: “The cold affects my breathing, and that’s when I start to get angina pains. My flat gets so cold, but I’ll sit here with three jumpers on and a blanket because I daren’t put the heating on.
“Last year I got a grant and it meant I knew I could put the heating on once it got really cold. It’s been a godsend, it really has. I’d like to say thank you very much, and ask everyone to donate if they can.”
Pat, 80, of Barrow, has received a grant for the past five years. She said: “I feel very fortunate to have received the grant.
“I have a health condition that means I need to stay warm. I need warmth to stay healthy, like many people of my age do. I’m very, very grateful to everybody that gives to the appeal.”
Christine, 72, of Carlisle, also received a grant last year. She explained what a difference the money made to her: “I have gas central heating but my bills have gone up so much, I worry about turning it on. I’m the coldest person on Earth! The warmest place is in bed, but you shouldn’t have to live like that.
“The grant makes a great difference. I can’t stress how much it helps to know you’ve got that money coming. It’s a lot of money to me. It’s a great help.”
“Less frightened to put your heating on”
Sheila, 70, of Workington, said: “It just makes you feel less frightened to put your heating on instead of putting on three dressing gowns. I have got emphysema and the dry air doesn’t help my breathing. So I like to heat the house through a few times a day rather than have it on all the time. The grant also made me more able to have hot meals.”
Cumbria Community Foundation is running a match funding challenge until Friday 19 December which means all donations to the appeal are matched £1 for £1. This is thanks to the generosity of match funding champions Allan Stobarts Lubricants & Fuels, Hadfield Trust, Harvey Family Fund, John Laing Charitable Trust, Johnson Fund, Sellafield Ltd, SP Electricity North West, Roseland Trust, WCF Ltd, Westmorland & Furness Council and private donors.
Karen Hunter, Customer Inclusion Manager at SP Electricity North West, said: “We’re proud to once again support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal, following the success of last year’s partnership.
“At SP Electricity North West, customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re always seeking out meaningful partnerships that make a real difference in our communities.
“As a funding champion, we’ll be doubling donations £1 for £1 over a six-week period starting 10 November, up to a total of £20,000. We hope this inspires both new and returning donors to get involved, knowing their generosity will go twice as far.”
Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We know this winter is going to be incredibly hard for many older vulnerable members of our community who cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.
“We’d like to say an enormous thank you to all of our match funding champions whose generosity means that anyone donating to our appeal before 19 December will make double the difference.
“We are proud to have helped thousands of older people since the appeal began in 2010, but the need has not gone away. Please donate to the appeal if you can to ensure older people don’t have to choose between heating and eating this winter.”
How to donate
Donate online at:
https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2025
To donate by phone, call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Please make cheques payable to Cumbria Community Foundation, writing ‘Winter Warmth Fund’ on the back, and send to: Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN.
Match funding challenge to tackle West Cumbria’s mental health crisis
We’re calling on people to help us tackle West Cumbria’s growing mental health crisis by pledging support to fund vital community-based services.
The West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership (WCMHP) programme was launched in 2021 as part of the Transforming West Cumbria social investment programme, funded by Sellafield Ltd and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation.
Since the WCMHP programme began, more than 20 charitable organisations have been funded by Sellafield Ltd, through the Social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme, to deliver accessible, low-level mental health services that prevent mental ill health and promote emotional wellbeing. Over 6,500 adults and 2,200 children and young people have already benefited from this support.
Now, with the launch of a match funding challenge, other businesses, community fundraisers and individuals have the opportunity to step up and help sustain these essential services.
Sellafield Ltd has generously pledged a match funding pot of £200,000 to support future mental health service delivery. For every pound donated to the appeal, Sellafield Ltd will match it £1 for £1, offering businesses, groups and individuals the opportunity to make double the difference.
The Foundation, with a proven track record of running successful match funding campaigns such as the Winter Warmth Appeal, will lead this initiative.
Targeted support in local communities
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We hear stories week in week out about the way organisations on the ground, funded through the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership, are helping people to cope in very difficult circumstances. The statistics speak for themselves: hospital admissions for mental health conditions and self-harm are far higher than the national average, and the suicide rate is the second highest in England.
“Through the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership, young people and adults get the help they need, accessing targeted support in their local communities.
“These vital services are not provided by the NHS and can only be delivered thanks to local fundraising. That’s why we are calling on West Cumbrian businesses, groups and individuals to support this appeal.”
Tracey West, Head of Social Impact for Sellafield Ltd, said: “Sellafield has been proud to fund the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership since its launch in 2021, demonstrating our commitment to fostering resilience and wellbeing in our communities.
“With the support of Sellafield’s Social impact, multiplied programme, and the dedication of Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF), we have established a range of innovative mental health initiatives to improve lives and strengthen the fabric of West Cumbria.
“Now we are calling on businesses across West Cumbria to demonstrate their commitment to addressing one of our region’s highest priority needs – mental health and wellbeing support. By backing the match funding challenge, organisations can make a real and lasting difference to local people in need of support. This is more than a one-off initiative; we’re working to build a sustainable partnership that delivers long-term impact, and we need others to join us in securing the future of this vital project.”
The first business to pledge support for the West Cumbria Mental Health Match Funding Challenge is global AI-powered digital transformation leader Atos, which has a base in Whitehaven. Atos Client Executive Partner to Sellafield, Leigh Seaman, said: “Atos are really proud to be the first business supporter of the Match Funding Challenge, as we recognise the huge impact mental health has in the workplace and the wider community.
“It is an honour to be able to support charities who are doing so much to help people with mental health challenges in West Cumbria. With a large local team, we can be sure that their vital work in some way touches our colleagues, alongside thousands of others across the region.”
Voluntary sector organisations are at the heart of delivering mental health services in West Cumbria, and their work is vital to building community resilience and reducing stigma.
Organisations funded to deliver services through West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership include Always Another Way, Citizens Advice Allerdale, Citizens Advice Copeland, Cumbria Youth Alliance, Mind in Furness, Together We and the Windmill Trust.
Support for those struggling comes in many forms, from one-to-one counselling and physical activities such as walking groups, to tailored sessions for those recovering from abuse and addiction.
Ways to donate
There are several ways you can support the West Cumbria Mental Health Match Funding Challenge:
• Donate online at https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/wcmh-match-funding-challenge
• Make a donation by telephone by calling 01900 825760. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• Send a cheque, payable to ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN. Please write ‘West Cumbria Mental Health’ on the back of the cheque.
• Organise a fundraising event – see our Fundraising Guide for inspiration.
Chris’s story
Chris Young, of Cleator Moor, received counselling from Together We to address mental health problems he has faced throughout his life as a result of sexual abuse as a child.
He said: “I’ve had a lot of issues within relationships, I’ve done a lot of soul searching and I came back to the fact that there was something that I hadn’t really addressed which was my childhood sexual abuse.
“There’s a huge importance in speaking to people. Sometimes you don’t even necessarily need answers or solutions.
“The counselling sessions allowed me to unload and to speak about things which I haven’t spoken about in detail before, just to try and move on past them.”
New fund inspired by iconic Cumbrian brand
A new fund inspired by the inventor of one of Cumbria’s most iconic brands has been created to help those in need.
The Sarah Nelson Fund, named after the woman behind the world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread® brand, will be managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. It will give out grants of up to £5,000 to local not-for-profit organisations and groups.
The fund will prioritise projects that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; improve education for children and adults; encourage creative and sustainable business ideas; or tackle food poverty. These four themes reflect the life of Sarah Nelson, who overcame poverty through resilience, creativity, and community spirit.
“As making a material difference to our fellow citizens’ lives in the county is part of the philanthropic ethos of Grasmere Gingerbread®, we are thrilled that Cumbria Community Foundation will now actively manage our annual charitable donation,” said Andrew Hunter, co-owner of the historic 171-year-old business.
“We cannot think of a better way to honour Sarah Nelson’s wonderful legacy and we hope that our contribution will help to sustain projects in areas close to our hearts in the months and years to come.”
Sarah Thompson, Grants & Programmes Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Grasmere Gingerbread® have chosen to create a fund with the Community Foundation. We have been the trusted philanthropic partner of businesses across Cumbria for more than 25 years and have a deep understanding of the county’s needs. We look forward to receiving applications from groups supporting people in these four priority areas, and will make sure this money makes the biggest difference possible.”
The fund is open to charitable organisations, not individuals. Grants will normally be £5,000 or less over one year.
For more information, contact Sarah Thompson on 01900 820821 or email sarah@cumbriafoundation.org.
Apply to the Sarah Nelson Fund here
Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £7million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through more than 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.
Chief Executive appointed Deputy Lieutenant
Cumbria Community Foundation welcomes the news that our Chief Executive, Andy Beeforth OBE, has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the county.
Andy, who has led the Foundation since it was set up in 1999, has been named one of six new Deputy Lieutenants by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alex Scott.
We are delighted that our Chief Executive Andy Beeforth has been named a Deputy Lieutenant for Cumbria. He is a powerful advocate for the charities and community organisations that underpin the life of our communities and the importance of local philanthropy.
Andy Beeforth said: “It’s a great honour to be asked to be one of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Deputies. I very much consider this to be recognition of the importance and value of the work done by everyone involved in the Foundation over the past 26 years. I’m fortunate to be part of a team that can help connect the Lieutenancy to the work of thousands of funded groups.”
During Andy’s time at the Foundation, its grant making has grown to more than £6 million a year, with endowed assets standing at over £32 million.
Community Foundation welcomes new Chair
A leading Cumbrian charity has paid tribute to its Chair who has stood down after almost a decade in the role.
David Beeby stepped down as Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation this week after serving a maximum nine-year term on the board of trustees.
David chaired the award-winning grant making organisation through a period of growth and also of great uncertainty in the charity sector, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.
During David’s time as Chair, the Foundation’s grant making grew from £2 million per year to more than £6 million per year, and the Foundation’s endowed assets grew from £15 million to over £32 million. David has been at the heart of this, supporting the board and executive team and as a fund holder and advocate for philanthropy.
The highlight, amongst many contributions, was the creation of the Better Tomorrows Fund. Inspired by the difficulties facing young people after the pandemic, David worked with staff from the Foundation, Cumbria Youth Alliance and Francis Scott Trust to develop the Fund and raise money. This is used to make grants to pay for professional youth work training and funding for employment of new youth workers. Since its launch, the scheme has trained more than 50 accredited youth workers, funded over 50 new youth work roles, and helped more than 5,000 young people across Cumbria.
Cumbria Community Foundation Chief Executive Andy Beeforth said: “We are all extremely grateful to David for his passion, wisdom, commitment and generosity in the role of Chair.
“David saw firsthand that young people in our communities were facing unprecedented challenges and set out to do something about it, creating the life-changing Better Tomorrows programme. He has also helped dozens of projects supporting children and young people across the county through grants from his own family fund which he very generously set up with the community foundation.
“In addition, he has been a business mentor for the Foundation’s Positive Enterprise programme which supports young entrepreneurs, and devoted much time to meeting groups throughout the county to better understand the vital role they play in our communities.
“We would like to thank David for all he has done as Chair of the Community Foundation, and all the good work he will continue to do through Better Tomorrows and the Beeby Family Fund, addressing the ongoing need in our communities.”
David Beeby said: “Cumbria Community Foundation really helps to connect people who care with causes that matter in so many wonderful and inspirational ways. It has been a joy to be a part of that journey over the last nine years.
“I would like to express a heartfelt personal thanks to all of our wonderful donors, large and small, to our fantastic staff and volunteers who ensure the funds are put to good work and to the thousands of inspiring people who work and volunteer in the wide range of charitable organisations that help so many people and undoubtedly help to make Cumbria a better place. It has been a real privilege to meet so many wonderful people across Cumbria.”
A new Chair was formally appointed at the Community Foundation’s board meeting on Tuesday – Myles Thompson, of Great Salkeld, near Penrith. Myles is a former Chartered accountant and audit partner with KPMG, a trustee of the Lake District Calvert Trust and member of Carlisle Cathedral finance committee.
Myles said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation. The Foundation is a wonderful organisation that does so much to support the communities across Cumbria. I am looking forward to finding out more about the great organisations that the Foundation supports and to meet our many supporters across the county.
“I would like to thank David Beeby for his dedication to the Foundation over the last nine years. He has left it in great shape to meet our strategic priorities set out in our 2023 to 2028 strategy.”
Funding boost for over-50s in South Lakeland
A new fund aimed at tackling loneliness and isolation among older people in South Cumbria is open now for applications.
The Age Friendly Activities Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, is offering grants of up to £5,000 to support new and existing initiatives that help remove barriers to participation and encourage more people aged 50 and over in South Lakeland to get involved in social activities.
The fund is part of Age Friendly South Lakeland, which aims to foster inclusive, age-friendly environments where older people can stay active, engaged, and socially connected.
Katie Gatt, Age Friendly Coordinator for South Lakeland, said: “We know that social isolation is a really significant issue among older people in South Lakeland. This funding will make a huge difference, supporting projects that reduce this isolation, promote physical and mental wellbeing, and help older people feel more connected and valued in their communities.”
The fund supports projects for over-50s within the former South Lakeland district area that reduce loneliness and social isolation, encourage physical activity and healthy ageing, and foster intergenerational inclusion. Promoting digital inclusion and confidence among older people is also a priority.
Priority will be given to:
• small, grassroots and volunteer-led organisations
• community-led initiatives that demonstrate strong local engagement
• projects that reach older people in rural, deprived, or underserved areas
• proposals with potential for lasting impact or sustainability
Find out more at https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/age-friendly-activities-fund/. For further details, email grants@cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900 825760.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Read more about Age Friendly South Lakeland at https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/programmes/age-friendly-south-lakeland/.
£260,000 Government funding to build social connections
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has extended the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund to March 2026. Through this funding, Cumbria Community Foundation has received a further £260,000 towards the Furness For You partnership project, encouraging volunteering and building social connections in Barrow-in-Furness.
Barrow-in-Furness was recognised by Government as having significant levels of deprivation and higher levels of need in terms of civil society and community infrastructure.
Since the KYN Fund was launched in January 2023, UK Community Foundations (UKCF) – a national network of place-based community foundations – has delivered up to £14 million of £19 million government funding made available, of which Cumbria Community Foundation has distributed more than £1m to a number of projects. Additionally, Cumbria Community Foundation was able to contribute further funds through local match funding.
In April 2025, the Fund was extended until March 2026, with an additional £4.5 million of government funding. Of this £4.5 million, £2.6 million has been awarded to UKCF by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
With its extended allocation of £260,000, Cumbria Community Foundation, a member of UKCF, will continue supporting existing projects and work with local voluntary networks to implement long-lasting, scalable initiatives that last beyond March 2026.
The Furness For You project is a partnership of local charities and voluntary organisations, led by charity Groundwork North East and Cumbria. The partnership offers a variety of meaningful activities to address isolation and loneliness, help people build confidence, meet new people, acquire new skills and encourage volunteering.
Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “A recent evaluation confirmed that Furness For You has had a significant impact on participants, many of whom reported increased social connection, improved mental health, and personal growth. Beneficiaries described overcoming deep-rooted fears and anxieties to engage with activities, often after months or years of isolation.
“This valuable funding, together with match funding of nearly £11,000 from the Pappagallino Fund, will help extend and develop delivery, and support even more people.”
The Furness For You partnership has launched an online support hub designed to connect people across the Furness area with the help, services and activities they need.
The free website – furnessforyou.org.uk – brings together information from a wide range of organisations and builds on the partnership’s missions to tackle social isolation, promote volunteering, and strengthen community ties.
Working together to create career opportunities in West Cumbria
A new fund has been created to help people into employment in West Cumbria, thanks to a partnership of companies who work together to deliver major infrastructure projects at Sellafield.
The Programme and Project Partners (PPP) Social Impact Fund – managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, and funded by Kellogg Brown and Root Ltd, Amentum Clean Energy Ltd, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, and Altrad Babcock Ltd – will provide grants to individuals and community groups.
The fund aims to enable access to educational and training activities that raise career aspirations; support individuals in becoming “work ready”; facilitate entry into meaningful employment; and remove barriers to employment and economic participation.
The first grant has been awarded, to Goodlives, a charity that runs training centres for adults facing long-term unemployment, social exclusion or poor mental health, in Cleator Moor and at West Lakes Science Park, near Whitehaven. A grant of £10,000 will go towards salary costs for a Project Trainer to provide support for adults to improve their skills and self-confidence and help with their job search.
The training centres run courses in areas such as food and nutrition, horticulture and customer service, equipping unemployed people with transferable skills to take into the world of work. Goodlives also offers help with CV writing, interview preparation and work experience placements.
Karen Jones, Managing Director of Goodlives, said: “Our project offers local, long term unemployed and ‘hard to reach’ benefit claimants the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and motivation.
“Many suffer from chronic lack of confidence, low self-worth usually brought about by a change in circumstances, generational unemployment, long term unemployment or lack of skills/ability. Additionally, the factors of rural isolation and limited, expensive local transport imprison this group.
“We also have younger people come to us for support with job hunting who may not face these additional challenges but are having difficulty securing employment.
“We stay in contact with people for up to six months after they have found a job as we find it can be a vulnerable time, making that transition into employment, especially if they haven’t worked before, or not for a long time. We help them overcome any issues that come their way – we want the positive move on to be a lasting one, not a short-lived success.
“We believe that everyone is capable of more than they realise – they just need a chance.”
Laura Doughty, Head of Strategy for Major Projects at Sellafield, said: “This fund is more than an investment in skills – it’s an investment in the future of West Cumbria. By working together, we’re helping people overcome barriers to employment and build meaningful careers. It’s about working with Sellafield to create lasting change in the communities we’re proud to be part of.
“This sits alongside PPP’s long-term commitment to extracting maximum social value from our supply chain – a consolidated, collaborative effort spanning 20 years. Together, these actions reflect our dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive West Cumbria for generations to come.”
The Programme and Project Partners (PPP) Social Impact Fund will prioritise projects that support unemployed people, particularly those facing complex barriers or living in areas of high deprivation.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available for individuals aged 18 and over, living in the former boroughs of Allerdale and Copeland. Applicants must have the backing of a recognised professional, such as a support worker or teaching professional.
Voluntary and community groups in the same areas can apply for up to £10,000 to deliver projects that improve employability and raise aspirations. Groups must demonstrate at least 50% match funding as part of their application.
Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to work with Partnership and Project Partners to ensure this funding reaches those who need it most. We know many people in West Cumbria face significant barriers to securing employment and are confident this new fund will provide practical support where it is most needed.
“Projects could include work-readiness programmes, such as CV writing and interview preparation, or vocational training courses.”
The PPP is a 20-year partnership established by Sellafield Ltd in 2019 to transform how major projects are delivered. The fund is supported by donations from Kellogg Brown and Root Ltd, Amentum Clean Energy Ltd, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, and Altrad Babcock Ltd.
For further information, please contact the Grants Team on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.
Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £7 million 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.