Businesses of all sizes from across Cumbria have been digging deep to help vulnerable older people keep warm this winter.

Companies up and down the county have given generously to this year’s Winter Warmth Appeal, an annual campaign run by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The Foundation is aiming to raise £500,000 to ensure older people don’t have to choose between heating and eating through the coldest months.

Until 13 December, all donations to the appeal will be doubled, thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s “match fund champions” – businesses, funders and other organisations that have pledged to match, pound for pound, money given by the public. This means donors have the opportunity of making double the difference.

Today (Tuesday 3 December) is Giving Tuesday, when people around the world are encouraged to give to causes they care about, as a counterbalance to the consumerism of the holiday season, particularly Black Friday.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “This Giving Tuesday, we’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has chosen to donate to our Winter Warmth Appeal so far.

“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.

“This year, our appeal is more vital than ever before and I would urge anyone who is able to give to do so today.”

Businesses who are supporting the appeal include Keswick Alhambra cinema, who are once again donating the proceeds of their Christmas Day showings, and will also have collection buckets in the foyer throughout December.

Jonathan Moore and Graham King, two of the cinema’s co-owners, said: “We choose to support the Winter Warmth Appeal because it is an obvious fit with our objectives in opening the cinema – it is predominantly the older population we see on Christmas Day and some of them tell us they wouldn’t have seen another person, if they had not come out to the cinema.  We are also pleased that the money raised is spent very directly on supporting people in Cumbria so those who pay for tickets or make a donation can see that their gift is benefiting the community of which they are a part.”

On Christmas Day the cinema will be showing It’s a Wonderful Life, the 70th anniversary remastered White Christmas, and the new Mufasa The Lion King, plus the King’s Christmas Message at 3pm.

Sellafield Ltd have committed to donating to the Winter Warmth Appeal not just this winter but for the next three years.

Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Supporting those most vulnerable in our communities is at the heart of our social impact programme which is why we have chosen to support the Winter Warmth Appeal again this year. With rising costs, winter can be a tough enough time for older people generally but especially so in more rural communities like ours. The appeal can make a huge difference to people when they really need it most and ensure that nobody has to struggle to heat their homes in the coldest months.”

Other companies donating to the appeal include Ecological Building Systems, Atkins Realis, James Walker and Center Parcs.

Lorna Graham, Deputy General Manager of Ecological Building Systems, based in Carlisle, said: “Ecological Building Systems are proud to again support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal. As a supplier of sustainable building products backed-up with full technical support for low energy retrofit and new build projects, we’re passionate about supporting the local community to stay safe and warm, especially this winter.”

Glen Franklin, Village Director at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, said: “We feel this is an extremely worthy cause, particularly this year with the changes to the winter fuel allowance.”

Many individuals, families and community groups have also given to the appeal; donations of any size will be very gratefully received.

All donations to the appeal received by Friday 13 December will be matched £1 for £1, thanks to the generosity of the Foundation’s “match fund champions”.

They are: WCF Ltd, John Laing Charitable Trust, Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, Electricity North West, Hadfield Trust, Roseland Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, Johnson Fund, EMG Solicitors, The Rotary Club of Carlisle, Brian & Ann Clark Fund, Harvey Family Fund, and various private donors.

Last year Cumbria Community Foundation awarded more than £315,000 in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefiting 1,941 vulnerable older people.

Donate online at: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2024.

To donate by cheque or phone, call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Generous match funders have pledged to double any money you give to Cumbria’s Winter Warmth Appeal.

Cumbria Community Foundation has run the annual appeal since 2010 to help vulnerable older people meet their heating bills.

It says as many as 500 older people die in Cumbria each winter because of problems related to not being able to afford to heat their homes.

This year the number could be higher. Energy prices are typically 10 per cent higher while most pensioners no longer receive the Government’s winter fuel payment and those that do no longer get a cost-of-living top up.

Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at the Foundation, said: “Older vulnerable members of our community are facing a winter of suffering because they cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

“The continued support of our donors will be vital.

“We know many pensioners already find winter a struggle. The withdrawal of the winter fuel payment from all but the most vulnerable means this year will be especially difficult for many older Cumbrians.

“Our appeal is more vital than ever before. We want to ensure that no one is forced to struggle during the colder months.”

Donations received by December 13 will be doubled by the Foundation’s “match fund champions” – businesses, funders and other organisations that have pledged to match, pound for pound, money given by the public. This means that donors have the opportunity of making double the difference.

The Foundation’s “match fund champions” are: WCF Ltd, John Laing Charitable Trust, Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, Electricity North West, Hadfield Trust, Roseland Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, Johnson Fund, EMG Solicitors, The Rotary Club of Carlisle, Brian & Ann Clark Fund, Harvey Family Fund, and various private donors.

Electricity North West has pledged up to £20,000 in match funding.

Karen Hunter, customer inclusion and partnerships manager, said: “Customers are at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for partnerships that make a difference to communities. Hopefully, we’ll see new and current donors get involved knowing their donation will be doubled.”

Jo Ritzema, managing director of WCF Ltd., added: “As a part employee-owned business, giving back to our local communities is part of our ethos. We’re proud to support the Winter Warmth Fund, which provides vital support for vulnerable older people in Cumbria who are facing fuel poverty.

“As the owners of one of Cumbria’s largest oil distributors, Allan Stobart Fuels, we understand the isolation of rural communities, especially during the winter months, which is why we make our most vulnerable customers a priority for heating oil deliveries during cold weather conditions.”

And Colin Cox, director of public health and communities at Cumberland Council, said: “Many older residents are at heightened risk from cold-related illnesses, which can lead to serious health complications. The Winter Warmth Appeal provides a critical lifeline, helping to keep people warm and safe. I strongly encourage everyone who can to support this initiative.”

Last year Cumbria Community Foundation awarded more than £315,000 in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefiting 1,941 vulnerable older people.

Donate online at: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2024

To donate by cheque or phone, call 01900 825760 between 9am and 5pm.

If you know someone aged 60 or over who may need support with heating bills, information on how to claim is online at: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/apply-now/

A charity supporting people with disabilities in West Cumbria which was at risk of closure has been given a reprieve, thanks to help from funders.

Allerdale Disability Association (ADA) provides vital free support, advice and information on issues ranging from blue badges to benefits for disabled people, their families and carers. In the last financial year, they helped clients claim benefit entitlements of £8.4 million. They have also seen a huge increase in client numbers, with an increase of 43% from the previous year to 1,908 users.

The charity faced closure due to financial challenges but has been thrown a lifeline by Sellafield Ltd, Cumbria Community Foundation and Cumberland Council, who have all agreed to provide emergency funding to keep services running for the next 12 months.

Sellafield Ltd awarded a grant through the Social Impact Multiplied programme for £43,309. Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability and Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “Through our Transforming West Cumbria programme, we aim to support third sector organisations that are delivering critical services in our local communities.

“Organisations such as ADA often need more than financial support to plan for a more sustainable future. Along with our strategic partners we will work with ADA to access skilled resource to strengthen their organisation through our volunteering platform Together for Good.”

The Community Foundation awarded a grant of £8,177 from the Brian and Ann Clark Fund, following an application which stated: “We know that the people in our community want our services to continue by the sheer number of people accessing them, and the sheer number of people who have contacted us to say they are devastated by the prospect we may have to close.”

In addition, Cumbria CVS, through the Transforming West Cumbria Bedrock Basics programme, will support the charity in applying to other funders for more longer-term funding to secure their financial sustainability.

Dr Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We know what a crucial service Allerdale Disability Association provides to people in West Cumbria, and what a huge miss it would be if they were no longer there.

“We would encourage any local charity or community group that finds itself in a challenging situation financially to talk at the earliest opportunity directly with funding bodies and organisations who may be able to help.”

Cumberland Council has given the charity a grant of £10,000.

Colin Cox, Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “We have put improving the health and wellbeing of residents at the heart of our ambitions. Working in partnership with organisations like ADA will be crucial in achieving that aim. Therefore, we’re pleased to continue to provide this financial support so that ADA can offer the help and assistance that many people find so valuable.”

The total awarded from the three funders will cover ADA’s running costs for the next 12 months and allows some time to implement improvements over the coming months.

Tracey Parker, Manager at Allerdale Disability Association, said: “We are absolutely over the moon that ADA has been saved for the benefit of our members and clients, and we are excited to work with our strategic partners, to learn from them and develop a plan for the future.

A fund to help talented Cumbrians develop a career in the arts has been relaunched by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The Cumbria Cultural Fund was established in 2007 and has since supported more than 60 people to develop their creative practice in all areas of the arts, from poetry and painting to stand-up comedy and opera.

The fund is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, who now have ambitions to increase the number of people supported and reach a wider pool of talent.

A review was carried out earlier this year, to examine what the fund should be for and who it should support, as well as looking into the wider state of the arts and cultural practice in Cumbria.

The findings were presented at an event at Rheged in Penrith last week (08.11.24) where guests were also treated to performances by some of those who have benefited from Cumbria Cultural Fund grants in the past.

The Cumbria Cultural Fund was the brainchild of Mary Burkett, whose drive and energy also helped develop the Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, explained: “Mary was passionate about backing talented people and giving those who needed help, and who were prepared to work hard, a hand up.”

“This autumn would have been her 100th birthday so we were keen to celebrate her life and legacy, while very much looking to the future and thinking about how we can grow the Cumbria Cultural Fund.

“The fund has helped over 60 talented Cumbrian artists, actors, musicians, dancers, and writers develop their careers and practice but we were keen to examine whether we could do more, and what priorities the fund should have today.

“We have relaunched the fund with the aim of significantly increasing its reach and impact, seeking new donors to help it support more talented young people, from families that might not normally think that art, music and drama is for them and to help more people fulfil their potential.”

The review into the Cumbria Cultural Fund was carried out by Richard Elder, former director of the Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven. He interviewed organisations and individuals involved in arts and culture across Cumbria, asking their views not only on the fund but on the wider picture.

Following the review, Cumbria Community Foundation has set a new target of making grants of at least £50,000 per year from the Cultural Fund, helping around 25 people each year.

Stated ambitions for the fund include reaching those with the least opportunities or exposure to the arts; enabling ‘new’ and unconventional work; and supporting those whose work brings greater understanding of the issues of diversity and equity.

Stephanie Bradshaw, a stand-up comedian and actor from Keswick, performed at the fund relaunch event at Rheged. A grant from the Cumbria Cultural Fund enabled her to perform her debut stand-up show ‘Big Fish’ at 2024’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which reflected on her experience of growing up in Cumbria, chasing her dreams of becoming a successful performer and the challenges of achieving this when living in a rural area.

The Cultural Fund grant helped cover the venue fee at the Fringe, enabling her to perform at top venue the Gilded Balloon. “Being part of the Gilded Balloon family was a huge honour for me and helped me establish connections with industry and fellow performers that have already started to benefit my comedy career going forward.”

Stephanie is passionate about showing younger people in Cumbria that creativity can be born out of any story, no matter where you come from.

“What I have learnt about producing live comedy events, including my Fringe show, has been hugely helpful and will hopefully help launch the careers of other fledgling comedians in Cumbria and beyond.”

To read the report into the Cumbria Cultural Fund, or to make a donation to the fund, please visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/cultural-fund/

For more information about the fund and how you can support it, contact Andy Beeforth at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 820822 or email andy@cumbriafoundation.org.

An innovative programme which has given thousands of young people across Cumbria access to youth work was celebrated at an event in the county ahead of Youth Work Week (4-10 November 2024).

Better Tomorrows was launched in 2021 with the aim of increasing the number of trained youth workers and increasing the number of young people able to access quality youth work.

The programme was created by David Beeby, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation and a former High Sheriff of Cumbria, to address what he described as a “huge gap” in youth work provision.

Since the programme was launched, more than 5,000 new young people have been engaged in youth work, across almost 12,000 hours of new youth work provision. The programme has trained 52 new accredited youth workers and funded 42 new youth work jobs across Cumbria.

More than 60 people attended the celebratory event at Barrow Town Hall – a mix of funders, funded organisations, youth workers who have undergone training and young people who benefit.

Kelly Bell, youth worker for South Workington Youth Partnership in the Whitehaven area, explained the impact of the programme. “Thanks to Better Tomorrows, we’ve been able to extend our youth work offer to those who wouldn’t have had access to youth workers before.

“We’ve helped several young people gain ASDAN awards as well. Thanks again to Better Tomorrows for allowing us to deliver this vital service.”

ASDAN awards are nationally approved qualifications based around the development of personal, social and employability skills.

As well as funding to pay for accredited youth work training, which is delivered in person 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.

Over 50 funders have contributed to the programme, including the Community Foundation, Francis Scott Trust, Four Acre Trust, Nuclear Waste Services, many local businesses and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

David Beeby said: “The support for Better Tomorrows so far has been truly fantastic. The programme was always designed in a way that, the more money we raise, the bigger difference we can make.

“The programme’s achievements are incredible, in terms of the number of young people reached and the number of new youth workers trained and recruited, which will ensure the benefits are felt for many years to come.

“I am so grateful to those who have already committed to continue funding Better Tomorrows and would love to hear from anyone who would like to join us in supporting this life-changing programme.”

Better Tomorrows was initially a three-year programme but was extended following a commitment by the National Lottery Community Fund to invest £445,270 to train more than 200 youth workers over the next five years.

Becky Wolstenholme, Chief Executive of Cumbria Youth Alliance said: “Cumbria Youth Alliance is delighted to be the lead partner providing the training element of the Better Tomorrows programme. With huge thanks to Lottery players and funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, securing long term opportunities to embed a trained workforce throughout Cumbria, providing high quality youth work for our young people.

“Working together with Cumbria Community Foundation and the very many third sector organisations in Cumbria helps to prevent duplication of service and, through this training offer, can and does upskill a crucial workforce who provide a fantastic service to young people throughout our communities.”

Now that funding for the training element of the programme has been secured until 2028, Cumbria Community Foundation is seeking funding for youth worker salary costs.

For more information about the programme, 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.

Below is a video where youth workers and young people who have benefitted from youth work explain the difference the Better Tomorrows programme has made to them.

Three iconic Cumbrian landmarks have been wrapped in giant scarves to mark the launch of Cumbria Community Foundation’s 2024 Winter Warmth Appeal.

As Cumbria prepares itself for another winter in which many will struggle to heat their homes, the 33-metre scarf was draped around The Hoad in Ulverston, Whitehaven Lighthouse and the rotunda at Tullie in Carlisle, as a giant reminder that many older Cumbrians are facing a winter of potentially deadly cold.

It is hoped that Cumbrians will give the appeal their support and help ensure no one has to choose between heating and eating, amid fears there will be extra hardship this winter.

Every year in Cumbria, between 300 and 500 older people die because of problems related to not being able to afford to heat their home, and this year that number could be higher.

“Today we’re sending a message to the people of Cumbria,” said Jenny Benson, Director of Programmes & Partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, the charity which runs the appeal.

“We want to remind everyone not to forget the older vulnerable members of our community who are facing a winter of suffering because they cannot afford to heat their homes adequately.

“As we look towards winter, we know that the continued support of our donors will be vital. Pensioners were already due to get less this year as it will be the first time since 2022 that they will not receive an extra winter fuel cost-of-living top-up and energy prices have recently risen by 10%. In addition, the Government announced that only those in receipt of Pension Credit or a means tested benefit, will receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

“We know that many pensioners already find winter a struggle. The withdrawal of the winter fuel payment from all but the most vulnerable people means that this year will be especially difficult for many older Cumbrians.

“Our appeal is therefore more vital than ever before, and we want to ensure that no one is forced to struggle during the colder months.

“Please support the Winter Warmth Appeal by making a donation, however large or small, if you can.”

The Winter Warmth Appeal sees money donated by the public then redistributed to those most in need, to allow them to stay warm without worrying about the cost.

Last year over £315,000 was awarded in grants – through delivery partners Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service – benefitting a total of 1,941 vulnerable older people across the county.

Someone hoping to receive a payment this year is Shirley McGuire, from Carlisle. She has applied for support after admitting she will not be able to turn on her heating this winter otherwise.

“I’m about to retire,” the 65-year-old explained, “and I’d said to my sister that at least as a pensioner I’d get the winter fuel payment and finally be able to turn on my heating, and then the Government took it away.

“It’s just wonderful that Age UK, through the Winter Warmth Appeal, has been able to help me – it is very much needed.”

Up until now, Miss McGuire has been out at work some days, and so has managed to survive without switching on her heating – relying solely on hot water bottles and “lots of jumpers”.

She added: “I’m used to always being cold: it’s food or heat for me. This fund is a lifeline.”

Cumbria Community Foundation has run the appeal every year since 2010 raising more than £2.5m.

Terrance Abba, 72, from Barrow-In-Furness, received a grant last winter, thanks to the appeal.

“There are seven months through the year when it’s cold,” he explained, “so this payment is very helpful. Otherwise, for me, it’s a choice to put my heating on or have a warm meal.

“Last year the payment meant I could split it up and have some food and put the heating on when I really need it.”

Donate online at https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2024

Alternatively, donations can be made by cheque or phone. To make a phone donation, please ring 01900 825760 between the hours of 9am-5pm.

A match funding challenge will run from Monday 11 November to Friday 13 December. During this period, anyone who donates will have their donation doubled, thanks to the generosity of match funding champions, who this year include Electricity North West, WCF Ltd, and Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils.

Karen Hunter, customer inclusion and partnerships manager at Electricity North West, said: “We’re delighted to support Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal.

“Customers are at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for partnerships that make a difference to communities.

“For four weeks from 11 November, as a funding champion, we’ll double the donations that are made, £1 for £1 up to a total of £20,000. Hopefully, we’ll see new and current donors get involved knowing their donation will be doubled.”

If you know someone aged 60 or over who may need support from the fund, ask them to visit  https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/winter-warmth-fund/apply-now/ for details of how to apply.

More than £2.7 million has been awarded to a range of good causes across Cumbria, supporting projects to promote improved mental health, community cohesion, wellbeing and fitness and much more.

A total of 186 grants worth £2,719,402 were given out to community organisations and individuals at three recent Cumbria Community Foundation grants committee panels.

The money came from funds set up by local people and businesses including Burnetts, Castles & Coasts Housing Association, and Fibrus.

In total, 128 community groups received £2,662,405 towards a wide range of projects across the county, and 58 individuals benefited from £56,997 towards the cost of overseas trips, equipment and course fees.

Community centres and village halls across Cumbria were awarded funds to carry out repairs, improve facilities and make their premises more accessible.

Broughton Moor Parish Council was awarded £46,000 from Broughton Moor Wind Farm Fund for the refurbishment of the village community centre, to tackle problems including damp in the walls, dry rot in the flooring and a leaky roof. The funding will also enable the installation of a larger, safer kitchen area and the refurbishment of the toilet to make it more accessible.

Parish Councillor Denise Houghton said: “The community centre is a well-used building. It is used for the over 60s bingo sessions, a toddler group, a craft club, craft sales and other events, including a Macmillan coffee morning, Halloween parties and Christmas events.

“The renovations will ensure these can continue in a much more pleasant and modern building. The kitchen will include cooking facilities which will enable the parish council to put on soup and sandwich lunches and pie and peas suppers, and will allow private functions to provide a wide range of catering options. The toilet will be much improved with better disabled access.”

Time to Change West Cumbria received £15,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to provide barista and customer service training to unemployed volunteers to help run the coffee bar at the community centre in Kells.

Grasmere Village Hall Company was awarded £15,000 from the ENWL Storm Arwen Community Resilience Fund towards the cost of a generator to enable the village hall to act as a refuge centre during power outages in an emergency.

And Yewdale Community Centre in Carlisle was awarded £2,000 from Fibrus Community Fund to pay for IT equipment and digital inclusion workshops.

In Barrow, The Ashton Group, operating as Theatre Factory, was awarded £5,000 from the Brian and Ann Clark Fund towards the cost of a community engagement project.

The group ran a series of workshops earlier this year asking people of all ages from across Barrow: ‘Who, what or where would receive your unofficial Blue Plaque?’

Artistic Director Rachel Ashton said: “The activity consisted of talking, thinking, writing, drawing and physically making a simple blue plaque from cardboard. We presented some of the results in an evening with actors reading out the blue plaques to an audience in our studio. The results were astonishing.

“The evidence is that, for young people, it helped them to think positively about their lives and where they live. For older people, the act of coming together to tell stories and reminisce in a nurturing and creative environment helps to fight isolation.

“So far, over 200 people have participated and now we have demands from third sector agencies for the work. We will spend the grant delivering to a further 500 people across the town. We are using the project to support people’s mental health and promote community cohesion.”

Elim Community Church in Carlisle received £10,000 from the Cumbria Fund towards the salary costs of a debt coach, to teach people how to budget, manage their finances and pay off their debts.

Ulverston Rangers Football Club was awarded £1,000 from the Thomas Graham Grassroots Fund towards the cost of goal posts and marking equipment for new pitches which are required due to an increase in members.

Annalee Holliday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our fundholders which enables us to support so many fantastic causes and organisations across the county. Community groups and charities do fantastic work to support those in need all over Cumbria and we are very pleased to be able to support those efforts through our grant making programme.”

For more information or to apply for funding visit, www.cumbriafoundation.org, call the grants team on 01900 820827 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.

A new fund has been set up to improve the health and wellbeing of communities through sport and physical activity, thanks to Cumbria-based sportswear firm New Balance’s charitable foundation, New Balance Foundation (NBF).

The New Balance Foundation Get Active Fund will award grants to community groups and charitable organisations helping people become more active in under-represented communities.

The fund is being managed by Cumbria Community Foundation. Grants will generally be in the range of £1,000 to £5,000, although one grant of up to £10,000 may be considered.

Caroline Adams, Development Manager for Cumbria Community Foundation, explained the need for the fund.
“Research by Sport England shows that one in four adults and one in three children in Cumbria are identified as being ‘inactive’ – which means that they are completing less than 30 minutes per week of moderate physical activity. Participation rates are significantly lower among certain sections of society, including women and girls, and Black and Asian children and young people.

“There’s overwhelming evidence for the life-changing benefits of being active – from childhood through to old age. As we get older, regular exercise reduces our risk of illness – from heart disease, stroke, colon and breast cancer to obesity and osteoporosis. Every year, leading an active lifestyle prevents 900,000 cases of diabetes and 93,000 cases of dementia (the leading cause of death in the UK) – a combined saving of £7.1 billion to the UK economy.

“Therefore, we are really grateful to NBF for choosing to create this fund and look forward to supporting groups across Cumbria who keep communities active.”

Paola Bethmage, Global Grants Manager at New Balance Foundation, said: “We’re excited to work alongside Cumbria Community Foundation to invest in community-led initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of families and neighbourhoods close to our Flimby factory. To date, NBF has provided more than $300,000 USD in grants to organizations in the region.”

“New Balance Foundation is laser-focused on changing a generation through our grants to outcomes-oriented programmes and we look forward to embarking on this collaboration with the hopes of making a lasting positive impact in Cumbria.”

The closing date for applications to the New Balance Foundation Get Active Fund is 1 November 2024.

Applications are welcomed from community groups and charitable, not-for-profit organisations where activity makes a tangible and long-term difference to health, wellbeing, confidence and social or economic activity.

Priority will be given to projects that benefit the following:
• Culturally diverse communities
• Disabled people
• People with long-term health conditions
• People aged 55+
• Women and girls

Also prioritised will be those who have experienced the following challenges:
• have been, are, or at risk of being excluded from school or college
• are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs)
• have been, or are, associated with or affected by gangs and/or exploitation
• are experiencing, or have been impacted by, domestic violence and abuse
• are experiencing homelessness
• are refugees or asylum seekers, or are newly arrived migrants
• are care experienced young people

Find out more about the fund at www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/new-balance-get-active-fund/

Anyone applying for more than £5,000 should speak to a Grants Officer first.

For further information, please contact Sarah Thompson on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £6 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.