Carlisle based industrial supplies company Thomas Graham and Sons established a long term fund in 2008.

Roger Smith, Managing Director said: “As a Cumbrian business we wanted to support local community activities but were getting a lot of requests for help. We set up a fund which targets grants to young people and sport in the Carlisle area. We are confident that our money is going to the best projects. Working with the Foundation means we can support the causes that we care about without the hassle.”

Their first grant was awarded to Carlisle’s Northbank Football Club towards volunteer coaching courses, football strips and equipment.

Club Secretary, John Twentyman said: “Northbank FC has a thriving junior section from under 7s up to under 18s competing in the Longhorn Hardware Youth League. The funding enabled five volunteers to take a level one football course, which contributed to the club being able to continue to provide qualified training and support to young people.”

Groups have that have been supported from the Thomas Graham Fund include Carlisle One World Centre (COWC), Dalston Scout Group, Carlisle Futsal Club and Copeland Rugby League Development Foundation.