Cumbria Community Foundation has been providing a helping hand to the people of Cumbria for more than 20 years.

The money we raise through the support of our generous donors funds the grants that we distribute to charities and voluntary groups across Cumbria. Those charities and groups provide a lifeline to many people and the grants help them to continue and expand their vital work.

Since 1999, we’ve distributed over £60 million in grants to more than 4,000 organisations and 8,000 individuals in Cumbria, funding a variety of projects; improving access to mental health support, advice and guidance for those in financial hardship, increasing employability and training opportunities, supporting early intervention and education programmes, food provision, tackling homelessness and ensuring young people can access youth clubs.

We’re proud of what has been achieved to date but, knowing that there is always more to be done, we launched our ambitious new five year strategy yesterday.

To respond to the needs in our communities, we aim to grow our sustained long-term grant making to a minimum of £6 million per year by 2028. To do that, we plan to increase awareness of the work we do and inspire more people, families, businesses and larger companies and institutions to donate through the Foundation, which can then be channelled to where needs are most pressing in the county.

Our new five year strategy is timely. It is being launched in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis that hit while we were all still recovering from the social and economic challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Living standards and life expectancy are falling, and needs are increasing.

It goes without saying that living in Cumbria has some serious upsides. We’ve got a World Heritage Status landscape with good people who look out for each other. But life in the county can also, for many people, be really tough. Our beautiful landscape hides intense poverty and lack of opportunity, all of which is exacerbated by rural isolation and lack of access to services.

We know our county very well. We commission and produce research reports to identify the issues facing communities in Cumbria and also their strengths. Using evidence-based data and insights, we will produce further reports to evidence local need, shed a spotlight on issues that need addressed, and ensure everyone can achieve their potential.

There are a number of different ways people and businesses can give back to their community through the Foundation – one off or regular donations, a membership scheme, legacy gifts, hosting fundraising events to name a few. Our current core of supporters have helped build an endowment of over £26 million which helps ensure community projects are supported for the long term. With new supporters working alongside current fundholders and partners, the plan is to build that endowment to £40 million over the next five years.

We’re determined to improve the lives of local residents and strengthen communities. We want to ensure that Cumbria is a place where needs are met, and everyone can reach their potential.

Read our new five year strategy.

If you’d like to get involved, contact us by sending an email or calling 01900 825760.

Full fibre broadband company Fibrus, who is currently rolling out their network in Cumbria, is delighted to announce its partnership with the Cumbria Community Foundation. This new fund, which launches today and is named the “Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria” aims to award funding to local communities in need of support.

The fund’s main goal is to support those experiencing digital poverty in rural areas, with a particular focus on grassroots organisations and community groups. Successful grants will be allocated to support on-the-ground digital technology projects which make key differences to communities, enhancing people’s lives and wellbeing. A particular focus will be placed on children, young people and older people who could benefit from digital support.

Fibrus Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Kearns, said: “Fibrus is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. We will invest £60,000 in the Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria in 2023, to give back to some of the organisations doing wonderful work to enhance and support towns and villages across Cumbria.

“We’re looking for projects specifically aimed at young people who need greater access to technology or connectivity, as well as initiatives that combat digital exclusion amongst those more vulnerable in our society. We hope many local groups and community organisations get involved and look forward to hearing more about your fantastic work.”

Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Fibrus to deliver this important new grant making fund in Cumbria. Digital connectivity has increasingly become a daily necessity for us to live our lives, particularly in rural areas. However, the most vulnerable members of our communities often struggle to afford, access or use digital technologies.

“With Fibrus’ generous support, we will be able to offer grants to community organisations to enable them to help younger and older people become more digitally connected and to access a range of online tools, from grocery shopping and training, to new employment opportunities.”

Fibrus launched a similar fund via the Community Foundation Northern Ireland in September 2021 which will have provided a total contribution of £120,000 by the end of 2023. Some examples of the projects supported so far include the provision of devices to help children with special needs communicate in a way more comfortable for them, and iPads for young people to support with education.

To learn more information or to apply to the fund, click here.

High Sheriff of Cumbria, Alan McViety, welcomed people from around the county to an award ceremony recognising their tireless efforts to enhance and enrich the places where they live.

Individuals, community and voluntary-led groups, who often go unrecognised for their outstanding efforts, came together on Tuesday 21st March to celebrate their achievements and receive recognition and awards from the High Sheriff.

Mr McViety has visited voluntary organisations around the county during his year of office, learning more about their work.

Around 40 guests attended the ceremony, held at Roundthorn Country House Hotel in Penrith. The High Sheriff handed out 16 certificates alongside grant awards of £8,000 and issued three recipients with the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield.

Ending his shrieval year with a celebration, Mrs McViety, said: “I was delighted to hold my awards where I had the opportunity to recognise the dedication and hard work of the various recipients. During my time as High Sheriff, I have met some wonderful volunteers dedicating their time to enhancing the life of their communities and making a difference to people’s lives. It is a privilege to have had this opportunity to recognise and honour just a few of them.”

Right2Work was recognised for its work with young people. Director, Sue Green, said: “The Youth Futures programme has been an excellent springboard for many young people who have been experiencing personal difficulties or setbacks. Mandy Morland, who has lead responsibility, has delivered a personalised and effective programme that has changed the lives of many young people and their families. We are all extremely proud at Right2Work of receiving the High Sheriff Award.”

The awards are part of the High Sheriff’s Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, and publicly recognise both charities and individual volunteers who help improve their communities.

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “There are an extraordinary number of voluntary and non-profit organisations working at the heart of our communities, and this is an opportunity for them to receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

The High Sheriff is one of the oldest Crown Offices, dating back to before the Battle of Hastings. As the Sheriff’s powers increased, they were considered to be a threat and in 1540 Henry VIII created Lord Lieutenants to take over the military duties. To this day, both the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff are appointed by, and are representatives of, the Sovereign with the High Sheriff being responsible for law and order – keeping the King’s Peace.

In partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Government has announced the Know Your Neighbourhood fund, a package of up to £30 million to create volunteering opportunities and increase connections across the country.

Cumbria Community Foundation is delighted to be distributing over £1 million of the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund over the next two years to support initiatives in Barrow that can help to boost volunteering and tackle loneliness, help participants improve their mental and physical wellbeing, develop new skills and form social connections.

Eight projects have already received a share of £135,000 supporting initiatives such as telephone befriending to providing activities for socially isolated fathers. Funding has been awarded to those who do not usually have access to volunteering opportunities.

The Well Communities received £47,663 to develop a trauma informed volunteer training programme. Ged Pickersgill, Senior Development Manager, said: “We are reactive to the changing needs of the community and this funding will drive social activism and behavioural health change activity in Barrow with a professional and robust approach to volunteer engagement and development. 90% of our staff in Barrow started their journey as volunteers.

“The ‘Grow Your Own’ model will be developed and formalised by a number of national key strategists and scholars which will create a localised blueprint for lived experience volunteer recruitment, engagement and supervision.”

Love Barrow Families received £17,673 to encourage more fathers in the area to join its Community Dads’ Group. Volunteer, Penny Forrest, said: “The existing group members feel that the camaraderie and sense of belonging they have found since joining has improved their wellbeing and enjoyment of life, and they feel more confident and purposeful. This grant will enable us to publicise and grow the group, and we are excited about being able to involve more dads and extend the range of activities we can offer. Up until now the group has been limited as it operated on a shoestring budget, and we are so grateful that we can now obtain the resources and equipment we need to be able to develop and take the group to the next level.”

A Stitch Different CIC provides meaningful activities and real-life work experience for people living with disabilities. A grant of £3,788 allowed the social enterprise to run a ten-week pilot to work with older adults who have anxiety or other mental health issues, and to encourage parent carers to volunteer and reduce the feelings of isolation, while learning new skills.

Amanda Bland, Founder, said: “The project is proving a big success especially with carers and individuals struggling with anxiety. Those attending are saying how they are loving trying new things, meeting new people, accessing support, gaining confidence to be more involved in the community and not feeling so lonely or isolated.”

The College House Community Hub, run by Groundwork NE & Cumbria, received £22,453 to expand the services on offer. Victoria Myers, Project Manager, said: “The funding will allow us to extend the range of activities and services provided by both Groundwork and local organisations to the residents of Hindpool. The aim is to reduce loneliness and social isolation, improve health and wellbeing, skills and confidence, and help the residents to feel more socially connected within the community.”

Grants were also awarded to Age UK Barrow, Barrow and District Disability Association, Barrow Forward, Cumbria Addictions, Advice and Solutions (CADAS) and Groundwork North East and Cumbria.

The second round of funding will re-open for applications in April.

Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support meaningful and impactful activities in Barrow that encourage volunteering and tackle chronic loneliness. Our first round of grants from the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund have supported a diverse range of activities tackling social isolation and improving wellbeing through the power of volunteering. We welcome applications from organisations in Barrow for the next round in April.”

For more information visit, click here, or call the grants team on 01900 820827 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org

Funding is available for charitable community organisations and social enterprises to provide business support and to encourage local people with enterprising ideas.

Managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the UKSPF – E23 Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Fund will provide grants of up to £25,000 to support both the creation of new enterprises and the development of existing businesses.

Thanks to funding from both Allerdale Borough Council and Copeland Borough Council, the aim of the fund is to spread a culture of enterprise, create local jobs and boost community cohesion by providing a range of support for new and existing businesses.

Mayor of Copeland, Mike Starkie, said: “I’ve always believed that entrepreneurs are key to growing our economy and finding new ways of doing business. Investment and support are key to their success, and I encourage all eligible organisations to look at the criteria and apply.”

The fund will offer revenue support to organisations that aim to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems, and can cover project running costs, staff salaries and small equipment costs.

The fund was set up thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which was launched in April 2022 and is part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda. It aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

Annalee Holiday, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said: “Local businesses play such an important role in the Cumbrian economy and wider communities and we’re very fortunate to have some strong, pro-active communities where there’s no shortage of amazing ideas. We hope the funding will inspire, encourage, and nurture, both new and existing entrepreneurs in West Cumbria. All they often require is a little expert know-how to help them get new services up and running.”

The closing date for applications is 10am on Monday 27th February 2023.

To find out more or to apply, click here or contact annalee@cumbriafoundation.org

With temperatures this winter dipping to -7C in some parts of Cumbria, the fundraising efforts of the local people in the village of Mungrisdale has meant that more vulnerable older people will be warm this winter.

Judith Egan has supported the Winter Warmth Appeal for many years and this year raised £4,300 by teaching wreath workshops, coffee mornings, collecting generous winter fuel allowance donations and a stall at Mungrisdale craft fair. Over the years Judith has supported our winter initiative, raising more than £14,000 in total.

Judith Egan introduced the Winter Warmth Appeal to the village community and a film night and craft fair raised more than £700 for the appeal.

The Winter Warmth Appeal was set up by Cumbria Community Foundation in 2010 to make sure that vulnerable older people who may have to choose between heating and eating, can stay warm and well through the cold weather.

The Foundation doubled its fundraising target this year to £500,000 as the soaring cost-of-living crisis means this winter poses a serious threat to older people who already struggle to afford heating at home.

Judith said: “The Mungrisdale community has come together and enjoyed raising funds for the Winter Warmth Appeal. It gets better and better each year. The support from the local community is just wonderful. This is a nationwide problem, but Cumbria Community Foundation has excelled at promoting the Winter Warmth Appeal in our county. Please join the campaign and help protect the elderly to keep warm this year and every year.”

In partnership with Age UK across the county and Copeland Age and Advice Service, Cumbria Community Foundation has been able to award more than £400,000 to hundreds of older people helping to keep them warm, safe and well while easing financial pressure during the cold season. While this is an amazing achievement, there are still many older people who desperately need support.

Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said:“It’s more important than ever that the Winter Warmth Appeal receives widespread support, and we are very thankful for Judith’s and the Mungrisdale community’s generous donations again this year.

“We’ve been astounded by the magnitude of support we’ve received for this year’s Winter Warmth Appeal so far, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis. We’ve seen many people generously passing on their larger Winter Fuel Payment, and others donating their monthly energy rebate. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has donated – and particularly those who donate year after year. Without your support, we know lots of older people in Cumbria would be suffering in silence during these long, cold winter months.”

If you would like to support the Winter Warmth Appeal and organise your own fundraiser, visit here.

Alternatively, you can call 01900 825760 Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm or send a cheque payable to ‘Cumbria Community Foundation’ (write Winter Warmth on the back) and post to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN.

Community groups supporting people across Eden will benefit from a new grant making fund.

The new Eden Rural Community Fund, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, was set up by Eden Housing Association after the sale of its Eden Community Alarms (ECA) office in Penrith.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available to voluntary organisations and community groups that help improve the lives of vulnerable people.

Projects supported could include exercise classes for older people, befriending service to reduce isolation of carers, materials and equipment to run activities with disabled young adults, improvement of community facilities to increase accessibility and one-off grants for capital equipment will be considered.

Priority will be given to projects supporting older people, particularly those who are vulnerable and isolated, adults with physical disabilities, mental health needs and/or learning disabilities, carers and community and volunteer-led initiatives to deliver or improve access to services in rural areas.

Cumbria Community Foundation has been building philanthropic support for communities and grassroots groups for 22 years. In that time, working with individual donors and businesses, it has invested almost £60 million into local communities.

Beth Furneaux, Chair of Eden Housing Association, said “We’re pleased that the fund created by the sale of the former Eden Community Alarm offices in Penrith means that we’re able to continue providing support to the people of Eden. Though Eden Community Alarms closed some time ago, it feels like this is a positive way to ensure the legacy for supporting people in our rural communities lives on.”.

Ellen Clements, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said: “We’re delighted that Eden Housing Association has set up a fund and we look forward to working with them and helping them to support to support local people. This new partnership is a great example of how we can work with organisations to support local community groups and initiatives that make a big difference to the lives of those in genuine need.”

The fund is now open for applications. To apply or to find out more, please click here or contact Ellen Clements, ellen@cumbriafoundation.org or on 01900 825760 to check eligibility.

Community groups and organisations across Cumbria are being encouraged to apply for funding to help people who are struggling financially.

Working in partnership with Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Community Foundation is offering financial support to charitable organisations that are helping people through the cost of living crisis this winter.

The Community Hardship Fund is providing grants of up to £10,000. The money can be used for offering practical skills such as budgeting and cooking courses or to buy equipment for community lunches. The grants will also cover costs to sustain a service e.g., foodbanks, food pantries and hubs, and additional staff costs to increase activities.

Brathay Trust received £9,988 to provide struggling families in the Barrow area with a slow cooker, food, recipe cards and activities for children to increase the family’s cookery knowledge as part of the Take & Make programme.

Laura FitzGerald, Operations Manager at Brathay Trust, said: “This programme will support families to be more fuel efficient and eat healthy, nutritious, and full meals. 60 families facing adversity due to the cost-of-living crisis will be provided with a new slow cooker and 10 weeks’ worth of recipe cards and ingredients needed to cook a nutritious meal.”

To date, £74,000 has been awarded including a grant to Howgill Family Centre to provide essential household items, Home to Work to support its healthy food growing project, Age UK Carlisle and Eden to deliver 300 winter warmth packs to older people and the Rock Youth Project to support low-income families by offering regular cooking classes.

Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants, Programmes & Communications Officer, said: “We know there is increased need across the county with food banks running out of food and more and more people unable to afford to eat or heat their homes to a safe level. This new fund will support projects that are keeping people fed and warm and provide additional practical support and advice to help people cope throughout this period of great hardship.”

Applications to the Community Hardship Fund can be submitted at any time and groups should hear the outcome of their application within 10 working days.

To apply for funding, click here or contact Annalee Holiday via annalee@cumbriafoundation.org or on 01900 825760.