Cumbria Community Foundation is very proud to manage almost 60 active grant making funds on behalf of local companies, families, individuals, trusts and public bodies.

The Foundation works with donors to fulfill their charitable goals by structuring funds that are customized to fit their unique goals, easy to implement, and supported by our broad community knowledge and expertise.

The Solway Fund was established in 2012 by an anonymous donor. Its focus is to support and encourage children and young adults in West Cumbria, specifically in and around Maryport and Workington. This is where the donors’ family grew up and an area identified as having the need for more opportunities to support young people.

The donor said: “For a number of years I have donated through my fund at the Foundation. I believe passionately in west Cumbrian communities and their importance to our society, for today and into tomorrow. This is why I am a supporter of Cumbria Community Foundation. Tackling issues at a local level by leveraging community expertise I believe is the most effective way to give.”

The Solway Fund has awarded £30,000 to west Cumbrian communities, including a grant to South Workington Youth Partnership to cover the cost of their rent for the next 12 months. The project runs youth sessions for 4-10 year olds, 11-18 year olds called Megamix in Workington and a Multimix group for disabled young people, based in Maryport. They have their own Young Leaders programme that run the Youth Council, providing links with local schools, police and other youth organisations.

Angela Good from South Workington Youth Partnership said: “Without the fantastic generosity of the Solway Fund, the youth group couldn’t provide as many opportunities for all its members.