Once again we are distributing a £10,000 Sport Relief Community Cash fund to support communities across Cumbria.

Sport Relief Community Cash grants of £500-£1,000 are available to small organisations in the Cumbria that are doing great work to help local people living tough lives. If this sounds like you, make sure you apply for a Sport Relief Community Cash grant now by completing the online application form before Thursday 25th February.

“We’re very pleased to be teaming up with Comic Relief, BBC North East and our colleagues at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wearat Cumbria Community Foundation for the second year to work on Sport Relief Community Cash,” said Annalee Holliday, Grants & Donor Services Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation.

Don’t forget to do your bit and make your face funny for money – and keep raising cash to help change lives. For more details visit www.rednoseday.com

As one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to raise cash and change lives on Friday 18th March.

The money raised by the public is spent by Comic Relief to help transform the lives of some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people both at home in the UK and across the world.

A fund formed to help the future development of charities, support groups and voluntary organisations in Cumbria has been given funding for a further two years.

Since 2011, the Northern Rock Foundation has supported the sustainability of the voluntary and community sector through the Fresh Ideas Fund, helping a number of organisations in Cumbria explore new ideas and opportunities for income generation and new services.

Now, as part of its last legacy grant awards, Northern Rock Foundation has announced it will provide a further £500,000 to continue the successful Fresh Ideas Fund programme in Cumbria in 2016 and 2017.

The Fresh Ideas Fund will be run by the Newcastle-based Northstar Foundation, which will be working closely with Cumbria Community Foundation.

The fund will provide successful applicants with up to £50,000 to fund a feasibility study, apply for expert, specialist advice and cover start-up costs. A mentor from Northstar Ventures will also be on hand to support them at each step of the way.

At the same time, Northern Rock Foundation has transferred its £500,000 shareholding in Charity Bank, to Cumbria Community Foundation. Charity Bank is an ethical bank that uses its savers’ money to make loans solely to charities and social enterprises. This will strengthen existing links between Charity Bank and Cumbria and support the development of social investment in the region.

Alastair Balls, Chairman of Northern Rock Foundation, said: “Trustees are pleased to be able to continue to provide much needed grant funding for charities in Cumbria for the next two years through the Fresh Ideas Fund.

“We also hope that Cumbria Community Foundation’s new relationship with Charity Bank will create social investment opportunities for the voluntary sector that will have long lasting benefits.”

More than 200 people attended a Christmas and New Year fundraiser to raise money for flood victims across Cumbria.

The event raised more than £300 and was organised by the British Gurkhas and Nepalese Community (BGNC) and Gurkha Coy Catterick (serving Gurkhas). It was held at Catterick Golf Club in Yorkshire on Saturday 19th December 2015.

Ram Malla, Chairperson of BGNC, said: “The Gurkhas have been in the Crown Service (British Forces) for the last 200 years since 1815 and have been enormously supported by the people of this country on many occasions. We thought it would be good to give back and following the recent storm damage, we wanted to help Cumbria flood victims.”

It’s over a month since Storm Desmond flooded the county, leaving many towns and villages completely devastated.

The Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal has so far raised a total of £4.35m since its launch on Saturday 5th December 2015. See this page for various ways to donate to the Appeal.

Cumbria Community Foundation announced today that it has received a £50,000 donation for flood relief work in Cumbria from the Knarsdale Estate. Knarsdale is a sporting estate in West Northumberland.

Following the recent devastating events in the region, Cumbria Community Foundation launched the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal earlier this month to help local people and workers recover from the aftermath of Storm Desmond.

Due to the scale of the damage caused and the number of places affected, the initial appeal target of £1 million has been raised to £6 million. To date, the Foundation has raised £4.1 million, including a £1 million match from the government.

John Palmer, Head Gamekeeper on the Knarsdale Estate said “We’ve always worked closely with the local community and we are pleased to be able to make this donation so that the Foundation can continue to carry on this huge task. At Knarsdale we’ve seen the issues first hand and so it was important to us to get involved in the relief effort.”

Ian Brown, Chairman of the Foundation said “We are so thankful to the Knarsdale Estate for their generosity toward important recovery efforts following the devastating floods,” says Ian Brown, Chairman of the Foundation. “It’s very heart-warming and encouraging to see the overwhelming support of our local communities during this challenging time.”

The Flood Recovery Fund provides support for individuals and families suffering financial hardship as a result of the flooding. Priority will be given to households with low income, individuals over the age of 70, under the age of five, people with physical or learning difficulties or mental health needs.

Services provided include clean up, emergency repairs, clothing, food, water, heating equipment, child care equipment and basic furniture. Over 230 households have already received financial help in order to rebuild their homes and lives.

The Community Foundation will also provide grants for community relief and rebuilding projects. Larger, strategic grants will support long term rebuilding projects to be fulfilled in partnership with the Foundation.

Anyone wanting information about the appeal and who and what will be eligible for funding, should click here or speak to the grants team on 01900 825760.

About Knarsdale Estate
Knarsdale is a Grouse Shooting Estate situated in the Upper Tyne Valley. The Estate works closely with Natural England to produce some of the most favourable habitat in the North Pennines. In addition, it is a major employer in the locality and has invested considerable sums of money both in improving the natural environment, but also the working and living conditions for many people in this rural area.

The nation has taken the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal to their hearts, raising £3.5 million for communities affected by Storm Desmond.

Cumbria Community Foundation launched the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal on Saturday 5th December 2015 with an initial target of £1m but due to the scale of the damage caused and following more recent flooding this has been increased to £6 million.

There are three times as many properties flooded than in 2009 where the Foundation raised and distributed £3 million.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of the Foundation said: “The Community Foundation said it would keep the appeal target under review and that is exactly what we’ve done. Having spoken with so many flood affected people and the information we’re collecting from organisations providing support services, we are very confident of the need to raise the appeal target to £6m.

“Sadly, after yesterday’s flooding we know need continues.”

So far more than half a million pounds has been given out in grants and over seven hundred families have received quick financial help to try to rebuild their lives. Below are some quotes from people who have benefited:

Stuart McLean from Kendal said: “The grant is very much appreciated and lightens the load a great deal at this very difficult time. Thanks to all the fund contributors and organisers.”

Joy Allen from Penrith said: “The news of a grant has lifted our spirits at such a difficult time. My two young daughters and I appreciate the help and support we’re being given. Currently, I feel over-whelmed with just how much there is to do and sort out, and so I can’t express how it feels to receive this bit of good news. Thank you to everyone who has donated to the appeal.”

To donate to the Appeal click here.

The Flood Recovery Fund 2015 is open to anyone whose home has suffered flooding significant structural damage or people who have lost work or income because of the storm or flood. It is providing support for cleaning up, emergency repairs, clothing, food and drink, heating and heating equipment, childcare equipment and basic furniture.

It is also providing grants to voluntary and community groups who are providing immediate relief to people, offering longer term community rebuilding projects or have experienced significant structural and or flood damage. Most grants will be in the range £5,000-£15,000, however for strategic, coordinated grants there will be no upper limit. These applications will be developed in close association with the Foundation and must involve partnership working.

To find out more about applying for a flood grant please click here or speak to the grants team on 01900 825760.

In just TWELVE days, the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal has caught the attention of the nation and has raised more than £2 million for communities affected by Storm Desmond.

Cumbria Community Foundation launched the Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal on Saturday 5th December 2015 with an initial target of £1m but due to the scale of the damage caused and the number of places affected, this has been steadily increased to £5m.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of the Foundation said: “When the appeal was launched, the flooding was only just beginning to impact the county. We now have a greater sense of the true scale of need, and the Community Foundation has taken the decision to increase the appeal target to £5m.

“We know that the 2015 floods have impacted more severely than any previous flooding incident. This target will be kept under review and may be raised further as the impact of the flooding is better understood.”

The Foundation has also received the government’s £1 million match fund bringing the actual total raised to £3 million.

Andy continues: “We are very encouraged and delighted by the government’s commitment to match fund the appeal and be able to support our communities even further.”

So far more than £166,000 has been given out in grants and over 230 households have received quick financial help to try to rebuild their lives.

Ian Brown, Chairman of the Foundation said: “I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of people around the UK. When you launch an appeal, you don’t know how people are going to react to what’s happening in your own community and to see what is happening is amazing. It just shows that people have got more in common than what divides them. People see the photos, see the need help for help and are creating fundraising events and digging deep into their own pockets. It’s very heart-warming, very encouraging to see.”

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The Flood Recovery Fund 2015 is open to anyone whose home has suffered flooding significant structural damage or people who have lost work or income because of the storm or flood. It is providing support for cleaning up, emergency repairs, clothing, food and drink, heating and heating equipment, childcare equipment and basic furniture.

It is also providing grants to voluntary and community groups who are providing immediate relief to people, offering longer term community rebuilding projects or have experienced significant structural and or flood damage. Most grants will be in the range £5,000-£15,000, however for strategic, coordinated grants there will be no upper limit. These applications will be developed in close association with the Foundation and must involve partnership working.

Anyone wanting information about the appeal and who and what will be eligible for funding, should click here or speak to the grants team on 01900 825760.

Money has continued to flow into the recently launched Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal to support people in need following Storm Desmond’s destruction across the county.

In less than three days, Cumbria Community Foundation has so far raised half a million pounds, thanks to a £50,000 donation from Nuclear Management Partners.

NMP General Manager, Iain Irving said “It has been devastating to see the damage done yet again to our community over the last few days. We are more than happy to do what we can to help and are pleased to be co-ordinating our efforts once again via Cumbria Community Foundation. We hope that our donation will help to bring immediate assistance to those most in need.

“This donation allows us to make significant funds available in the crucial early stages of the recovery programme.”

In total, NMP has invested around £25m to the West Cumbrian community since 2008.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation said: “We are delighted that NMP and its parent companies, Aecom, Amec Foster Wheeler and Areva have made this donation, even though they have only a few months left on their contract at Sellafield.

“NMP has been a great supporter of the Community Foundation during its time at Sellafield, donating over £3 million to the charities and individuals funded via CCF.

“The Appeal continues to grow. Donations from kind individuals and businesses mean we will be able to help people get their lives back on track sooner rather than later.”

The fund will focus on providing money for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship as a result of the floods, but the appeal will also be raising money for voluntary and community organisations that are spearheading the relief work.

If you would like to donate to the appeal, you can do so via the Foundation’s website, alternatively, cheques made payable to Cumbria Community Foundation can be sent to CCF, Dovenby Hall, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN. You can also donate via text message. Send a text to 70070 with the message ‘FLUD15’ and a monetary amount. For example, ‘FLUD15 £10’

Anyone wanting information about the appeal and who and what will be eligible for funding, should click here or speak to the grants team on 01900 825760.

Cumbria Community Foundation has launched an appeal to help people across the county affected by today’s devastating floods.

It has kicked off it’s £1m appeal with a donation of £50,000 from its own funds and is asking people who can help, to give generously.

The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund 2015 is for any individuals or families who suffer financial hardship as a result of the flooding. The money will also help with wider community relief and rebuilding projects.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are still in the eye of the storm, but we know that it appears the flooding is worse than in 2009 in some areas of the county. People will need financial help to rebuild and we want to have the means to do that.”

“It is difficult to assess the scale of the need, but we know that the flooding will cause significant financial hardship and emotional distress. We will convene meetings with the major voluntary groups involved in the recovery and also with major providers of social housing to assess the impact on their tenants.

“You can donate by Just Giving http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/cumbriafoundation/cumbriafloodappeal2015

“Or by sending a cheque made payable to Cumbria Community Foundation and sent to CCF, Dovenby Hall, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PN.

“Or send a text to 70070 with the message ‘FLUD15’ and a monetary amount. For example, ‘FLUD15 £10’

“This is our third flood appeal, the first was in 2005. The second in 2009 raised £3m – all of which went back into rebuilding our devastated county.”

The Flood Recovery Fund 2015 is open to anyone whose home has suffered significant structural damage or flooding or people who have lost work or income because of the storm or flood.

It will provide support for – cleaning up, emergency repairs, clothing, food and drink, heating and heating equipment, child care equipment and basic furniture.

Priority will be given to households who have people over the age of 70, under the age of five, people with physical or learning difficulties or mental health needs or on a low income.

It will not normally fund – people who are fully insured, vehicles and businesses.

Initial hardship grants of £500 can be applied for, details will be released on Monday 7th December.

The Foundation learned many lessons from running previous appeals:

* The importance of a dedicated fund to secure and distribute financial support to community groups and individuals

* The important role voluntary and community organisations play in supporting communities during times of need

* How valuable small grants are in providing both financial and emotional support to individuals experiencing hardship

* How wide ranging and long lasting the emotional impact of such a disaster can be to individuals

* The impact on voluntary and community organisations during times of need (loss of income, opportunities to expand services and respond to need)

There will be two phases to the support people will require:

Phase one: immediate support for individual grants for households in priority groups (over 70s and under 5s and people with disabilities) and those without contents insurance (and occasionally buildings insurance). Group grants to front line services such as Red Cross, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Law Centre, furniture and white goods recycling and activities for children and young people.

Phase two: supplementary support: Individual grants for households whose income has been affected over a long term period and households who have continued to experience increased household expense due to relocation resulting from the flood.Group grants to organisations who have suffered damage to their property, those providing emotional support and counselling and community celebrations once residents have returned to their properties.

The winners of the West Cumbria Community Heroes Awards were announced last night at a celebration dinner.

Cumbria Community Foundation are very pleased to congratulate Sandra McKeown for winning Volunteer of the Year 2015. The award recognises Sandra’s selfless commitment and dedication working with 1st Flimby Girls’ Brigade, a youth organisation that offers significant opportunities for girls and young women.

Under her leadership the Flimby Brigade have seen tremendous success. They have 27 members aged 4-14, some of whom have won national competitions. The exposure has helped to put Flimby on the map.

Judges at the awards said: “She is beyond being ‘just’ a volunteer in everything she does to make sure she adds more value to young people and her community.”

In August this year 1st Flimby Girls’ Brigade were selected to take part in the London Remembrance Parade to commemorate the victims of the First and Second World Wars. Many of the children are from disadvantaged backgrounds with unemployed and one parent families. They were awarded £500 from the Solway Fund in September to fund the trip.