ANNUAL REVIEW 2024
Message from the Chairman Whenever a significant anniversary comes around, it always provides a good opportunity to pause, take a breath and reflect on all that has been achieved in that time. In the case of Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF), 2024 saw us notch up our first quarter century – 25 years of powering stronger communities. The Foundation is unrecognisable from when we were established in 1999. Our founding Chief Executive remains in post, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Andy for his incredible quarter century of service. I would also like to thank all the staff, trustees and grants committee members who have all played their part in the amazing journey of CCF over our first 25 years. Our driving mission to connect people who care with causes that matter to enable lasting change across Cumbria remains. The Foundation has grown and developed in so many ways that this anniversary provides a good opportunity to take stock and see how far we have come. In our first year of operation, we were delighted to award £39,000 in grants. In 2023-24, our total grant making topped £6.8 million and our endowed funds stand at £30 million. Just phenomenal. It is our great privilege to be able to support so many wonderful charities across the county through the generosity of our funders. So while this annual review celebrates our successes, both in 2024 and over the past 25 years, it also demonstrates how the need is greater than ever and we have so much more to do. We are two years into our latest ambitious five-year strategy to increase our grant making and develop our programmatic work, which of course means we need to increase the funds available for grant making. Life is still really tough for many people across all corners of Cumbria. So once we have paused and taken that breath, we go on, more determined than ever to bring about lasting change in those communities where the need is greatest. David Beeby, Chairman YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES For 25 years, Cumbria Community Foundation has been getting to the root of the county’s most difficult problems. We know life in Cumbria can be really tough. The beautiful landscape hides intense poverty and lack of opportunity. We are proud of the difference we have made, inspiring and supporting people, businesses and organisations to invest in local charities and community groups to support those who need it most. In just one year, these are some of the ways Cumbria Community Foundation has made an impact: 13,029 people reported improved physical and mental health 3,996 people accessed support services for the first time 262 people received support for addiction issues 37,931 hours of education and training provided 11,563 people took part in training 1,012 people regularly volunteered 643 people achieved independent living 2,449 people reported feeling safer in their community 30 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill 6,110 trees planted YEARS Information based on completed end of grant reports from funded projects within the year 2023/24. 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 2 3
Celebrating 25 years of philanthropy 2024 saw Cumbria Community Foundation proudly mark its 25th anniversary – 25 years of inspiring philanthropy across the county and providing vital support to the most vulnerable in our communities. Since our inception, we have awarded almost £70m in grants to communities, organisations and individuals across Cumbria. As the need grows, so does our determination to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the years ahead. Here’s a look back at some of the ways we have made a difference over the past quarter century, connecting people who care with causes that matter. Cumbria Community Foundation is founded with a donation of £1 million from British Nuclear Fuels Ltd and the support of the county’s seven local authorities 1999 First grant is awarded to Steps Grief Support. First corporate fund, the Cumbrian Newspapers Group, donates £100,000 2000 Winter Warmth Appeal established to help vulnerable older people through the colder months 2010 Cumbria Community Recovery Fund is launched in response to the devastating Foot & Mouth Disease outbreak. It raises £2.1 million 2001 Carlisle Flood Recovery Appeal raises and distributes £850,000 to help communities affected by flooding 2005 Harrison and Hetherington sign up as the first corporate member 2002 The Foundation takes on the running of the Mary Grave Trust, giving young people in West Cumbria the opportunity to travel overseas 2004 Sellafield’s Nuclear Management Partners choose the Foundation to host a major new £3 million NMP Community Fund for West Cumbria 2008 West Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal raises and distributes £3.1 million to help communities affected by flooding 2009 Creation of the Cumbria Young Peoples Fund, the Foundation’s first £1 million legacy gift 2012 Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal raises and distributes £10.3 million to help thousands of people affected by Storm Desmond 2015 Cumbria Revealed community needs report is published, exploring the county’s hidden problems and the effect they have on the social fabric and cohesion of our community 2017 The Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebrations include a reception in Keswick for the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge and 50 community representatives from across the county 2019 Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund raises £2.4 million, helping 200 organisations and community groups reduce emotional and financial hardship Transforming West Cumbria launched with a £6.5 million investment from Sellafield Ltd’s Social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme to tackle the area’s most entrenched social problems 2020 Better Tomorrows programme set up to support young people through new youth work provision 2021 Creation of Age Friendly South Lakeland, the first age-friendly community in Cumbria Launch of the Foundation’s new five-year strategy, setting out ambitious plans to create positive and lasting change through our grant making 2023 Laurel House Trust (Brampton) transferred to the Community Foundation Brighter Futures programme to provide careexperienced young people with mentoring, work experience placements and life skills development is established 2024 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 4 5
Paying the rent helps charities deliver vital services Hundreds of charities and voluntary groups provide vital services to communities across Cumbria. Delivering those services requires funding and the groups rely on the generosity of funders and donors to enable them to continue their work. It takes time and effort to raise donations – which takes time away from delivering services – and many donors prefer to fund specific projects rather than provide the running costs that are needed to underpin a group’s work. As inflationary pressures hit running costs hard, it can be ever more difficult for groups to balance the bills as well as deliver services. The Vulture Club was formed by a group of local West Cumbrian volunteers who, through their own experience and participation within the field of addiction and recovery, saw a real need for support for people trying to recover from substance addiction. The use of art and cultural pursuits as diversionary activities prompted the name of Culture Vultures that quickly became Vulture Club. The club offers a safe, non-using environment where service users can engage in these activities and therapeutic sessions, to equip themselves with the tools needed to develop and sustain their recovery. It is very hard to stop taking substances and even harder to stay off them, and Vulture Club recognises the importance of a maintained recovery. This takes time and needs a stable and long-term approach that can be delivered in a suitable environment in safe and appropriate premises. The Foundation contributed a total of £5,000 from the Brian and Ann Clark Fund and the Shepley Group Grassroots Fund towards the rent for the club’s premises in Whitehaven. Colin Browne, Chair and Trustee of the Vulture Club, said: Giving hope and support to all victims of domestic abuse As well as being disempowered and isolated from family and friends, it is very common for victims of domestic abuse to have their finances restricted. Those victims are often on low incomes, in debt, and are living in rented properties that have been damaged by the perpetrator. This can all leave victims feeling trapped and unable to leave. Springfield Domestic Abuse Support in South Lakeland provides a full range of support to individuals impacted by domestic abuse. The Foundation provided £15,000 from the Cumberland Building Society Fund to fund a Poverty Lead Worker to provide tailored financial advice, support with budgeting, signposting to other support agencies, and help to find new accommodation and settle debts with previous landlords. Springfield’s Chief Executive, Tori O’Callaghan-Lake, said: “Of the 365 clients who accessed our services in the last financial year, around 40% required the help of the Poverty Lead Worker to help them improve their financial situation.” One client said: “I arrived with nothing. I have been supported to face my debts, which was a constant anxious feeling and a reason I probably stayed in the situation I was in. I feel like I can manage my money better and I was supported to get back into employment.” While the majority of victims are female, ONS figures suggest that every year one in three victims of domestic abuse are male. Cumbrian male victims were obliged to seek support elsewhere as there was no provision in the county. To address this, Springfield has opened the first safe house for male victims of domestic violence in Cumbria. The property identified needed significant renovation, so the Foundation provided £11,500 from the myLakeland Fund to replace the boiler and install security at the doors. The male safe house can accommodate three clients at any one time and began accepting referrals in August 2024. Tori said: “We will provide specialist support to the men to help them recover from the trauma and abuse they have experienced. Our Poverty Lead Worker will support them to claim their full benefit entitlement whilst also supporting them to budget and reduce any debts. “Throughout their stay with Springfield, the men will learn skills to live independently, thus enabling them to successfully resettle into the community and remain safe in their own home.” “The funding for the rent ensured we were able to keep our Health and Wellbeing centre open and running to support our service users. The support was crucial to us being able to continue operating over the last 12 months, supporting our members on their journey of recovery from addiction.” Tori O’Callaghan-Lake Artwork created by members of the Vulture Club 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 6 7
Brighter Futures for those leaving care Statistics about the life chances of those who have spent time in the care system make grim reading. Care-experienced young people are far less likely to continue their education post-16 or progress to further education. Instead, they have a much higher chance of experiencing unemployment, homelessness, or spending time in prison. To help change this, 2024 saw the launch of Brighter Futures, a £315,000 three-year programme offering mentoring, work experience and life skills development to young people leaving care. The programme was developed by the Community Foundation in partnership with Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA), Inspira, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. Over three years, Brighter Futures will provide tailored support to more than 80 young adults aged 18 to 25, helping them overcome the challenges of transitioning to adulthood. Funding was secured through the national Care Leavers Programme, managed by UK Community Foundations. This £3.6m match fund scheme is funded by the Local Authorities’ Mutual Investment Trust (LAMIT), a shareholder of the UK’s biggest charities asset manager, CCLA. Match funding has been provided by a number of charitable trusts, companies and private donors, including BAE Systems, John Laing Charitable Trust and Francis Scott Trust. The programme was developed collaboratively with input from care-experienced young people themselves. The support is tailored to their individual aspirations to give them the tools to thrive as adults. Claire Sands, Head of Projects at Cumbria Youth Alliance, said: “As a 20-year-old care leaver, Natalie* faced significant challenges, including a lack of independent living skills and financial instability. Through the support of the Brighter Futures programme, she was guided in setting up a savings account, managing bills, and learning how to budget effectively. “Natalie has also built confidence and practical skills by volunteering at a youth club and participating in skills development sessions. With the dedicated support of Cumbria Youth Alliance, she has taken a major step forward by moving into her first independent flat, gaining stability and starting to plan her future with newfound confidence.” *name has been changed Transforming West Cumbria Programme achieves significant impact For over four years, the £6.5m Transforming West Cumbria programme has been strengthening communities and creating lasting impact. Funded by Sellafield Ltd’s Social impact, multiplied (SiX) programme and delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation, it was developed in response to the West Cumbria: Opportunities and Challenges 2019 report. Through the power of local partnerships, the programme addresses the region’s most deeprooted social challenges, driving positive change where it’s needed most. The programme is based on three key pillars: An independent mid-programme evaluation in 2024 highlights the programme’s continued success: • Directly supporting hundreds of local organisations and thousands of people. • Responding pro-actively to emerging needs, from post-pandemic recovery to unprecedented cost of living crisis. • Achieving significant outcomes and impact across all programme areas. • Driving collaboration between VCSE, private and public sectors • Generating an outstanding £19.9 million in social value - delivering £5.34 for every £1 invested This success is built on collaboration, strong governance, and a commitment to lasting change. The evaluation emphasises that the Foundation’s excellent management and governance of Transforming West Cumbria has been crucial to the programme’s success. Steering groups from all sectors help guide the programme, bringing diverse expertise and perspectives to keep it flexible, focused on community needs, and making a real impact. By working together, Transforming West Cumbria is not just making a difference - it is shaping a stronger, more resilient future for our communities. Eirini Etoimou, Head of Corporate Sustainability & Supply Chain Development at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We set out with the ambitious aim of tackling the causes of inequality in the area’s most vulnerable communities, working in partnership with groups on the ground to bring about long-lasting, transformational change. The evaluation report recognises that we have achieved this and more, adapting the programme to address the additional challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis. “Transforming West Cumbria has directly supported hundreds of local organisations and thousands of individuals and families, achieving significant outcomes in mental health support, financial wellbeing, early years development and many, many more areas. We look forward to continuing this work and seeing the impact of the programme for many years to come.” BUILD Supporting the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to grow, adapt, and achieve financial sustainability. INSPIRE Helping social entrepreneurs grow, think creatively, and develop ideas that make a lasting difference. SUPPORT Enhancing resilience, wellbeing, and opportunities for children, families, and adults by strengthening mental health and improving family relationships. West Cumbrian charity Team Evie has been supported by the Bedrock Digital strand of Transforming West Cumbria 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 8 9
Working together for the wellbeing of the community The benefits of volunteering are numerous and far-reaching – both for the organisations and communities supported by volunteers, and for each individual giving up their own time to help others. Volunteering can give people a sense of purpose, help them maintain and improve their self-worth and mental health, and give them the confidence to make positive changes to their lives. The Know Your Neighbourhood (KYN) Fund was created by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), designed to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in communities across England with the poorest outcomes for health and wellbeing. The funding enables charities and voluntary groups to offer activities that will help to improve wellbeing, skills, confidence and social connections for individuals, and give opportunities for volunteering. Barrow-in-Furness is one of those communities benefitting from the KYN Fund, with the Foundation managing that funding. The charity Groundwork North East and Cumbria is leading a partnership of 10 local charities and voluntary organisations known collectively as Furness For You. The partnership offers a variety of meaningful activities that address isolation and loneliness and help people build confidence, meet new people, acquire new skills and encourage volunteering. Victoria Myers from Groundwork said: With KYN funding of £930,000, the Foundation has made a significant investment in this partnership. The funding supports the running of the partnership and the activities of the 10 partner organisations by improving staff capacity and providing materials. The project hopes to support almost 1,000 new beneficiaries and around 500 new volunteers. Victoria said: Collectively the partnership is creating a new collaborative system and cultural change across the Barrow area, with a pooling of knowledge and resources, and joined up delivery. “Most of our beneficiaries begin volunteering because they feel lonely or isolated, and taking this step has significant personal and health benefits. It can also be a step towards creating economic growth, upskilling and providing a stepping stone into employment.” “Our partnership delivers our aims through co-ordinated community-led activities creating volunteering opportunities to bolster the project. This builds confidence for beneficiaries and volunteers.” Enabling online access for all Eden Rural Foyer (ERF) has been operating in the heart of Penrith since 2003, providing accommodation to enable young people to live independently, a cyber café, training rooms, office space and a conference room. The Foundation funded ERF, run by social housing provider the Riverside Group, to develop an IT club to ensure vulnerable and older residents have the essential skills needed to access online services. Delivered in an informal setting in the Foyer’s café, the club caters for all ages and helps people who are able to work to create a CV and register on job searches, for example. But the project’s main aim is providing one-toone tuition to vulnerable residents aged 60+ to help them gain confidence in online activities including: • setting up and running an email account, • accessing social media to help alleviate social isolation, • applying for benefits online and accessing government websites, • registering on NHS Direct and using NHS online services. Emilia Szulc from Riverside said: A grant of £3,373 drawn from three of the Foundation’s funds – Holehird Trust, Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria and Rowan Community First Fund – helped set up the club with IT equipment. The Foundation has also supported Eden Rural Foyer through the Better Tomorrows fund, providing £16,136 to fund a Youth Officer to lead and manage a new youth club at the Foyer for three years. It is open to all young people aged 12 to 19 who live or study in Penrith and the Eden Valley. The IT Club will complement the Youth Club and as Emilia said: “The aim is to improve each service user’s life and help some users secure employment in the future. We are aiming to help enhance skills including team building, communication, and confidence for them to use going forwards.” Lucy Warwick turned to the IT Club for help when homeless and out of work. “If it wasn’t for Emilia, I wouldn’t have got a job. She helped me put my CV together when I was really struggling with PTSD. “Eden Rural Foyer is amazing. Everyone always puts themselves out to help you, even though they are really busy.” “This project is aimed at digitally excluded learners in our community to help them become more confident online. By accessing the training, they will be able to learn IT in a friendly, safe and welcoming environment. It will cover Internet safety and help those who are capable to get back into work and help others to learn new skills and make contacts in the community.” Stitch Ability, a Furness for You project 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 10 11
Employment and inclusion gives confidence and pride People with learning disabilities are often socially isolated. They can be excluded from the labour market leaving them without financial independence and freedom of choice. People First runs a Hospitality Academy in Carlisle that provides education for 25 vulnerable people per year. To help graduates move into employment, People First has set up the Creating Careers employability project. Launched in 2024, the project matches local employers with vulnerable people who are looking for work. Two Job Coaches will assess learners for independence and work-ready skills and support them over 6-12 weeks into work placements. People First will identify the industries, businesses and types of work that would suit people’s skills, abilities and aspirations. Potential employers will be supported with advice about necessary adaptations. David Blacklock, CEO of People First, said: “Our learners tell us they want the same opportunities that others have, and we believe that equal employment is a powerful catalyst for change. Our primary outcome is long-term employment, pride, satisfaction and purpose.” The Foundation has provided £24,649 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund on behalf of Cumberland Council to set up this project and during the pilot that this funding supported, three individuals who had a work placement went on to be offered paid employment. One individual with a mild learning disability and Cerebral Palsy had been attending People First’s Hospitality Programme for five years. He needed support with fine motor skills, reading and writing and worked best if given one task at a time. He was placed with Thomas Graham, a Carlislebased steel stockholder and industrial retailer employing over 200 people. In this very different environment, he was given tasks such as scanning stock, picking orders and helping to serve customers. While he still required support from the Job Coach with reading and inputting information, his confidence increased. He struck up a friendship with a colleague who he now goes for a pint with and plays games with online, a form of social connection he hadn’t experienced before. Thomas Graham saw his potential and offered him paid, permanent work for 12 hours a week and he quickly accepted. David Blacklock said: Woodworking provides a community tool for Brampton The Brampton Woodworkers’ Club is based at Brampton Community Centre and has been on the go for 20 years now. Its sessions run from 9am to 4pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and with 45 members and a waiting list, it is clearly popular. Membership is open to all adults in the wider community. The vast majority are retired with the average age being around 70 and a gender split of approximately 60% men to 40% women. People hear about the club by word of mouth, or simply from passing the Community Centre when the sessions are running. While the bulk of members are from Brampton and the surrounding area, people travel from as far as Workington to attend. The Foundation provided £1,000 from the Laurel House Brampton Fund to purchase a range of hand and machine tools to replace or supplement the club’s existing range of equipment. As well as helping to ensure health and safety standards are maintained, the new equipment has enabled more members to do similar work at the same time, and helped introduce them to new tools and methods. Members work on their own projects under the guidance of the experienced tutor, Jane Angus. The members tend to work in different groups with some using wood turners to make items such as bowls and table legs, while others work on larger items such as benches, boxes, planters, and even dining tables. As well as providing technical guidance for the participants’ projects, Jane helps organise social events for members. There’s a Christmas meal and a barbeque in the summer for those who want to attend. Club Treasurer Angus Timmins said: “Membership could help reduce social isolation for some through the social side of things, both at the events, and at the regular sessions. There’s quite a few who have a good catch up with each other when they arrive for the sessions. Members are very supportive of each other and the extra equipment has enhanced this with a definite feel good factor when the equipment arrived." “Everyone really appreciates the work that Jane puts in, both to the sessions themselves and to the socials. It’s fair to say the club provides a great benefit for the community.” “More than work, this shows the social inclusion, the development of pride, skills and confidence and the independence that can be achieved when we help people and employers think differently about work.” A member of the Brampton Woodworkers’ Club uses the bobbin sander A Hospitality Academy placement at Bartons Yard in Carlisle 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 12 13
Winter Warmth Appeal When we launched our annual Winter Warmth Appeal in October 2024, we knew Cumbria’s vulnerable older people would need our support to heat their homes more than ever before. The campaign has run every winter since 2010, and since then huge rises in fuel prices and the cost-of-living crisis have made life harder than ever. This winter, the government’s decision that only those in receipt of Pension Credit or a means tested benefit would receive the Winter Fuel Payment, left those just above the threshold hardest hit and particularly vulnerable. Seeing how great the need was, we set the ambitious target of raising £500,000 to ensure older Cumbrians did not have to choose between eating and heating. We knew this was a big ask. But our incredible supporters rose to the challenge. Fundholders, funders, businesses, community fundraisers and individual donors dug deep to give what they could. Our match funding champions helped incentivise giving by matching other people’s donations £ for £, with significant support from both Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Councils. By the end of February 2025 the appeal had raised more than £480,000, with donations still coming in. A huge thank you to all who supported the appeal. We worked in partnership with local branches of Age UK and Copeland Age and Advice Service to distribute the funds raised to those households most in need. 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.” Membership Membership of Cumbria Community Foundation continued to grow in 2024. Over the past year, we have been delighted to welcome new corporate and individual members, as well as from the voluntary sector. Thank you all for your ongoing support. We have two membership schemes – one for businesses and one for individuals and families. Donations from both schemes support out work hugely, supporting the research that underpins our giving, helping us to focus on where the greatest needs in our county are and enabling us to promote philanthropy. Corporate membership Businesses of any size can become a corporate member. We welcome not only those with Cumbrian roots but national and global companies working in our county. Two options are available – Standard and Challenge. Challenge members donate a higher annual fee and receive access to an exclusive event during the year. Corporate and Cumbria Club members were among those at our supporters event at Tullie, Carlisle in September 2024 “RBC Brewin Dolphin (Penrith) are delighted to offer our continued support to the Cumbria Community Foundation for the invaluable work that it does. “We admire the variety and life changing nature of the support that they provide for different projects and groups across the Cumbrian area. As a business that also strives to support our local communities, we are very pleased to be working with the foundation and wish them continued success.” Richard Bell, Financial Planner at RBC Brewin Dolphin, Penrith Cumbria Club This is our membership scheme for individuals and families and is open to everyone, whether you live in or outside of the county. All share a love for Cumbria and find membership provides a great way to support its people and communities. If you would like to know more about membership, please contact us at enquiries@cumbriafoundation.org For other ways to support the Foundation, take a look at our new Guide to Giving on our website. 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 14 15
In May and June, we held a Corporate Virtual Coast to Coast event, challenging teams to cover 171 miles in six weeks by walking, running, swimming or rowing across a virtual map of the UK. We had a fantastic response, with more than 130 people from 18 teams taking part, including a team of Cumbria Community Foundation staff. Participants clocked up an incredible 19,882 miles in total – equal to the distance from Cumbria to the South Pole and back, raising £15,000. A team from WCF was the first to complete the distance and also raised the most, thanks to a match funding donation from the firm. Managing Director Jo Ritzema said: “As long-standing supporters of Cumbria Community Foundation, we were delighted to support the charity in their silver anniversary year by doing something a bit different. “Our senior leadership team already had its own group on Strava, so taking part in the Virtual Coast to Coast Challenge was the perfect fit for us.” To the South Pole and back - virtually Throughout 2024, the Foundation promoted the power of philanthropy to change lives, encouraging our members to step up and get involved. Membership is a great way to regularly support the work of Cumbria Community Foundation. Over the past year, we have continued to welcome new corporate and individual members, as well as from the voluntary sector - thank you. Adamedia Ltd Alertacall Ltd Amentum Energy Ltd Armstrong Watson BAE Systems Marine Ltd Bells of Lazonby Ltd Bender UK Ltd Burn How Garden House Hotel Carr's Group plc E H Booth & Co Ltd Gedye & Sons Handelsbanken North Cumbria Handelsbanken South Lakes & Lancaster Holidaycottages.co.uk (The Travel Chapter Ltd) James Cropper plc Lake District Holdings Ltd Lakeland Limited Majik House M-Sport Ltd Muckle LLP Nuclear Waste Services (LLWR) Roundhouse Properties Sally's Cottages (The Travel Chapter Ltd) Sellafield Ltd Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd Underwater Construction Corporation UK Ltd WCF Limited (Brampton) Westmorland Ltd Windermere Lake Cruises Ltd CHALLENGE Alhambra Cinema Architects Plus (UK) Limited Birchwood Farms Ltd Burnetts Solicitors Carlisle Diocese Carter Jonas LLP Castlerigg Hall Lake District Caravan and Camping Park CCL Secure Center Parcs Cowens Ltd Cumberland Pencil Company Cumbria O & M Services Cumbria Tourism Cumbria Waste Management Ltd David Allen and Co Day Cummins Architects Delkia Limited Dodd & Co Eden Housing Association EMG Solicitors Limited English Lakes Hotels Ltd Enterprise Answers Fastness Data Services Ltd Firpress Group Ltd Forge Europa Limited Grant Plant Hire Hackney and Leigh Haywood and Jackson Fabrications Ltd HFT Gough & Co Ltd H & H Group plc Holker Estates Company Limited Holmegate Farms Ltd Holmen Iggesund Paperboard Limited Houghton Parkhouse Ltd Intro PR and Social Media ITI Simulation Ltd J Edgar & Son James Walker and Co Ltd Javelinas Group Ltd Knights Professional Services Ltd Lake District Hotels Lamont Pridmore Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel Low Sizergh Barn Lyon Leisure Mason Gillibrand Architects Meldrum Ltd Mirefoot Cottages MissionCX Limited Mitchells Auction Company Ltd Napthens LLP New Balance Athletic Shoes Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Nuvia Ltd Park Gate and Company Ltd Peill & Company Ltd Penrith Building Society Quilter Private Client Advisers Rathbone Investment Management Raymond James Kendal Rayrigg Estates Ltd RBC Brewin Dolphin RG Parkins and Partners Ltd Risedale at Abbey Meadow Salvanas Ristorante Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Gingerbread Shop Savills (UK) Ltd Shepley Engineers Ltd Solomons Europe Spedding Dental Clinic Stowe Family Law Preston The Cumberland The Lingholm Estate Limited The Tranquil Otter Thomson Hayton Winkley University of Cumbria Warwick Square Osteopaths Ltd Westlakes Engineering Ltd Winders Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers Womble Bond Dickinson LLP CORPORATE Cumbria Deaf Association Allerdale Disability Association Ambleside Bowling Club Broughton Village Hall Carlisle Mencap Ltd ChangeWays through Horses CIC Cleator Moor Methodist Church Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) Cumbria Deaf Association Cumbria Family Support Cumbria Youth Alliance (CYA) Dobies Charitable Trust Gosforth Nursery Heron Corn Mill Beetham Keswick and District Fair Trade Campaign Kirkbarrow Residents' Association (KRA) Kirkgate Arts and Heritage Longtown Memorial Hall Community Centre Parton Village Hall Ulverston Resilience Group Watchtree Nature Reserve Ltd Westward Parochial Church Council Workington Transport Heritage Trust VOLUNTARY SECTOR Members 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 16 17
Leaving a lasting legacy Many generous individuals and families choose to leave a lasting legacy of support to help the Community Foundation improve the lives of Cumbria’s most vulnerable communities, for many years to come. There are many ways to leave a lasting legacy: • Donate to an existing fund, such as the Cumbria Fund • Set up a fund tailored to your charitable goals and causes you care about • Celebrate the life of a loved one by setting up a memorial fund in their name Lilian and Ray Stuart lived a long and happy life in Cumbria, and knew they wanted to give something back to local communities once they were gone. Both born in Lancashire in 1928, the couple married in August 1956 and were together for 63 years. They moved to Cumbria in 1966 to run a caravan park at Port Carlisle on the Solway estuary, later retiring to Bowness-on-Solway Ray died in February 2019 aged 90; Lilian died four years later at the age of 94. Before their deaths, they decided to support Cumbria Community Foundation through a legacy gift. Their children explained: Ray and Lilian’s generous donation has been added to our Cumbria Fund, to support projects across the county helping communities most in need. Lilian and Ray Stuart, pictured on their wedding day in 1956 and at their golden wedding celebration 50 years later “It was our parents’ wish that some of their estate went to charities which were close to their hearts and they hoped this would particularly benefit the Cumbrian community where they lived for many years.” The Brian and Ann Clark Fund has supported the Farmer Network’s Young People Working in Agriculture programme Other supporters choose to set up a fund in their lifetime, then leave a gift in their will to grow the fund after their death. Ann Clark set up the Brian and Ann Clark Fund with the Foundation in 2016, creating a living legacy to help projects supporting disabilities, mental health issues and young people. When Ann died, she chose to leave a gift in her will, meaning the fund will continue for years to come. To date it has helped 60 local charities and organisations including the Farmer Network, which helps people aged 18 to 30 who want to start a farming-related business. Create a fund during your lifetime and watch it grow An Acorn Fund is a great way of giving for those who maybe don’t have a large sum of money to invest upfront. It offers the chance to build up a named fund with us with no minimum donation or timescale for giving. As Vice Chair of Trustees, and Chair of the Main Grants committee, Kevin Walsh already gives a huge amount of his time and experience to support the Community Foundation. But to mark our 25th anniversary year, he and his wife Wendy decided they would like to do more. “Ever since I got involved in CCF I have wondered how best to personally support our work; other than the time I already offer,” said Kevin. “The Acorn Fund seemed to be an appropriate vehicle for Wendy and I to be able to start to build a community fund over time, either by regular payments or a lump sum. Having the fund available also gives us a vehicle for any bequest we may decide to allocate in the future.” For more information on setting up an Acorn Fund, email enquiries@cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900 825760. Kevin Walsh and Wendy Aldred 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 18 19
FUNDS HELD BY THE FOUNDATION Abbeyfield Carlisle Society Community First Fund Grants to benefit people living in the former districts of Carlisle, Allerdale and Eden. Abbeyfield Carlisle Society Over 55 Community First Fund Grants to benefit people over 55 living in the former districts of Carlisle, Allerdale and Eden. Allerdale Holiday, Activities, and Food Programme Grants to provide activities and address food hunger for children and young people in areas such as Maryport and Workington. Alston Moor Community Fund Grants for charitable purposes for the benefit of Alston. Altrad Babcock Grassroots Fund Grants for small voluntary, community groups and grass-roots organisations to enable them to continue or expand their work in advocacy, community voice, and service provision in the former districts of Allerdale, Barrow, Carlisle and Copeland. Amentum Grassroots Fund Grants for small voluntary and community groups and organisations providing advocacy, community voice, and service provision in West Cumbria Barker Family Fund Grants to organisations that advance the education of disadvantaged young people, including young farmers, aged 25 and under who live in Cumbria. Barrow Community Trust Grants for charitable purposes for the benefit of the people of the former borough of Barrow-in-Furness. Barrow-in-Furness Grassroots Fund Grants for charitable purposes for the benefit of the people of the former borough of Barrow-in-Furness. Beck Burn Wind Farm Community Fund Grants to community groups and individuals close to the Beck Burn Wind Farm. Beeby Family Fund Grants to community projects that benefit young people across the county but prioritising those in the Wigton area. Better Tomorrows Fund Grants to increase the number of young people having access to quality youth work. This includes accredited training in youth work and funding salaries of new youth workers. Beverley Charitable Trust Fund Grants to young people in West Cumbria to enable access to study or vocational training. Bewcastle Valley Farmers Fund Grants to address hardship in the north of Cumbria, especially in the Bewcastle parish. Border Fund Grants to projects that address homelessness, hearing loss or other significant life events, and those providing training to build skills and confidence. Borron Pratt Fund Grants to relieve hardship in the Workington and Whitehaven area of West Cumbria, down the west coast of Cumbria to St Bees, Seascale, and the village of Holmrook west of the River Irt. Brian and Ann Clark Fund Grants to projects working with disadvantaged families and people with disabilities or mental health issues, and assistance for young people in caring roles. Bridget's Magical Music Pot Fund Grants to support people to come together to make music of any kind in West Cumbria. Brighter Futures Fund Grants to help care experience young people benefit from mentoring, work experience placements and life skills development. Broughton Moor Wind Farm Fund Grants for local communities located close to the Broughton Moor Wind Farm. Buen Paso Fund Grants for poverty relief, education, wellbeing, health, public amenities, and community-building projects and structures. Burnetts Thrive Fund Grants for individuals attending one of three designated schools to help raise their educational attainment and career aspirations. Carr’s Group Fund Grants to invest in the wellbeing of communities across Cumbria. Castles and Coasts Housing Association Community Fund Grants to support community projects and activities that make a positive contribution to the tenants and residents living in the neighbourhoods serviced by Castles & Coasts Housing Association. Catherine Alexander Grassroots Fund Grants for local communities in Kendal and its immediate district. CCL Secure Community Fund Grants to community organisations providing activities that benefit people and communities in Allerdale and Copeland. Cumbria Health Improvement Funds (CHIF) CHIF are an amalgamation of area and hospital focused funds that cover the geography of the former Cumbria Partnership Foundation Trust. We work closely with NHS Trusts within Cumbria to deliver these in partnership. CiFR Community Flood Resilience Fund Grants to groups to develop and test new approaches to resilience tailored to local communities. CN Group Fund Grants to grassroots groups in the Newsquest distribution area. Community Hardship Fund Grants to groups to support activities that help people in financial hardship. Crofton Trust Fund Grants to promote the education of the public about agriculture, forestry and the countryside. Cumberland and Westmorland Herald Fund Grants to community based organisations benefiting people living in the Herald’s main circulation area. Cumberland Building Society Community Fund Grants to organisations within the Cumberland Building Society's operating area that promote and improve financial literacy of disadvantaged people. Grant making 2024 Full details of the funds, including the grant making criteria, are available on our website. Cumberland Educational Foundation Fund Grants to widen access to sports and the arts in young people up to the age of 25. Cumbria Communication Project Fund A multi-year programme providing early interventions to promote and improve speech and language development in 0-3 year olds. Cumbria Cultural Fund Grants to promote excellence in the arts and cultural life. Cumbria Disaster Fund Grants for charitable purposes in connection with floods, storms and other disasters Cumbria Fund Grants for charitable projects that address one or more of Cumbria Community Foundation’s top five priorities for funding. The following funds contributed income to this fund: · Armstrong Watson Cumbria Fund · The Crispus Fund · Francis C Scott Challenge Fund · Gregg Fund · Handelsbanken Fund · Harvey Family Fund · Hensman Acorn Fund · HSBC Fund · James Cropper Fund · Laing Fund · Martyn and Carole's Community Fund · Middlebrook Foundation Fund · MissionCX Fund · Napthens Fund · Northern Rock Foundation · The BG Fund · Viscount Whitelaw Fund · Winander Leisure Cumbria Grassroots Fund Grants for charitable projects that address one or more of Cumbria Community Foundation’s top five priorities for funding. Cumbria Home from Home Fund Grants to organisations that help sustain and improve the quality of community life in and around the Lake District. Cumbria Industries Amenities Fund Grants for activities and equipment which support disabled people in the fund priority area of Carlisle. Cumbria Tourism 50th Anniversary Fund Grants for people aged 16 and over to help raise educational attainment and career aspirations in the Cumbrian tourism and hospitality sectors by enabling access to study, vocational training and employment. Cumbria Victims Charitable Trust Fund Grants to individuals to provide financial support to victims of crime who reside in Cumbria. Cumbria Young People’s Fund Grants to benefit children and young people aged 14-22 across Cumbria. Cumbria Young People’s Grassroots Fund Grants to benefit children and young people aged 14-22 across Cumbria. David and Margaret Rankin Fund Grants to support young people into business or employment, or to progress in the field of visual arts or literature. DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund Grants to groups to increase volunteering and reduce chronic loneliness in Barrow-in-Furness. Disability Fund for Cumbria Grants for groups and individuals to support practical interventions that promote the inclusion and integration of disabled people into employment. Doosan Babcock Grassroots Fund Grants to improve life chances and aspirations in areas covering the company's employees' residence. Dora Beeforth Memorial Fund Grants to help disadvantaged young people participate in sport or foreign travel. Dowker Bindloss Charity Grants to community based organisations supporting Kendal residents. Eden Rural Community Fund Grants to groups that help improve the lives of vulnerable people. Edmond Castle Educational Trust Grants to support the education and training of disadvantaged young people, prioritising those who are or have been in care. Education Fund (Cumbria) Grants to support all types of educational activities for people of any age in Cumbria. Edwin and Anita MacKay Memorial Fund Grants for community groups and projects that provide activities for children and young people up to the age of 18 in the Seaton parish. Elizabeth Fell Memorial Trust Grants to community based organisations supporting the parish of Kingstown, Carlisle and surrounding area. English Lakes Hotels Trust Fund Grants to support English Lakes Hotels employees, and groups delivering community projects in the areas of Windermere, Ambleside, Morecambe and Lancaster. ENWL Storm Arwen Community Resilience Fund Grants to support local communities impacted by Storm Arwen in 2021 in the counties of Cumbria, Derbyshire and Lancashire. Evening Hill Grassroots Fund Aims to improve the lives of 16-25 years olds or improve the quality of life for the elderly. Fairfield Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Grants for charitable activities for local communities located close to the Fairfield Wind Farm in north Copeland. Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria Grants for community groups and organisations to provide access to digital technology for the most vulnerable in their community, focussing on older people and young people. Fryer Grassroots Fund Grants to organisations that improve the lives of young people especially those leaving care within Cumbria. Genesis Homes Community Fund Grants to community projects within the areas of the building sites. Geoffrey Blake Architectural Heritage Fund Grants to support community-based projects of architectural merit in Cumbria. Gibb Charitable Trust Fund Grants to support students and trainees in vocational studies. Gurney Charitable Trust Fund Grants to supports small, locally-focused charities in northern Cumbria, with a priority in and around the village of Ireby. GVC Fund Grants to groups that use sport and physical activity to raise awareness, tackle mental health stigmas and support men with mental or physical health problems to become more active. Hellrigg Wind Farm Community Fund Grants for charitable activities for local communities located close to the Hellrigg Wind Farm in north Allerdale. herdyfund Grants to support and nurture Cumbria's upland fell farming and rural communities. 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 20 21
High Pow Community Fund Grants for charitable activities for local communities in the parish of Bolton. High Sheriff’s Crimebeat Fund Grants to organisations that work with young people involved in or in danger of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour or crime. High Sheriff’s Community Fund Grants to groups in Cumbria as identified by the High Sheriff of Cumbria. Hunter Davies Fund Provides funding for the annual Lakeland Book of the Year awards. Janetta Topsy Laidlaw Fund Grants to assist older people in the Carlisle area to remain in their own homes. Johnson Fund Grants to groups and individuals in Carlisle, Allerdale and Eden with particular support for rural isolation, care for the elderly and mental wellbeing support Kipling Fund for Older People Grants to organisations that benefit older people. Kipling Fund for Younger People Grants to organisations that benefit children and young people. Kirkby Lonsdale Fire Disaster Recovery Fund Grants to relieve hardship caused by the fire in Kirkby Lonsdale on 8 December 2024. Kirkby Moor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Grants for charitable activities for local communities located close to the Kirkby Moor Wind Farm. Laidlaw Fund for the Environment Supports projects that benefit wildlife habitat protection and education of the natural environment in Carlisle and the surrounding area. Lakeland Disability Support Fund Grants for charitable groups or individuals with physical disabilities in the former district of South Lakeland for items, facilities, or support to relieve their disability. Lamont Pridmore Grassroots Fund Grants to organisations that improve the lives of people in West Cumbria by raising their aspiration and achievement. Laurel House Brampton Fund Grants for groups providing charitable activities that benefit elderly people in Brampton and the surrounding area. Lawrence Fund Grants to individuals and groups in the fields of both music and horticulture. Liddle Thomson Community First Fund Grants to community groups whose projects benefit young people in the former districts of Carlisle and Allerdale. Live the Dream Fund Grants to young people in West Cumbria to enable access to study or vocational training. Lord Bragg Fund for Wigton Grants for individuals aged 11-25 who reside or study in Wigton, or for groups supporting children and young people in Wigton, to engage in positive activities and/or access education or training which raises aspirations. Lord Egremont Fund for West Cumbria Grants to organisations in the towns of Egremont and Cockermouth and the immediate surrounding areas. Mary Grave Trust Grants to young people in the former county of Cumberland to support travel abroad. Mental Health Fund for West Cumbria Grants to increase mental health provision in West Cumbria. Moorhouse Grassroots Fund Grants to small projects, particularly in North Cumbria. myLakeland Fund Grants to groups that improve the health and wellbeing of local people and projects that protect the environment, with a priority for those located in South Cumbria. New Balance Get Active Fund Grants for charitable organisations that use sport and physical activity to tackle inequalities and help people become more active, particularly in underrepresented groups. NHS Building the Right Support: Annual Health Checks Fund Grants to increase the uptake of Annual Health Checks for individuals aged 14+ with a learning disability and/or autism living in the former districts of Allerdale, Carlisle and Eden. NHS Building the Right Support: Transition from Hospital Fund To support adults with a mild learning disability and/or autism to support referrals from NHS Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust to transition from hospital back to the community. NHS Community Mental Health Transformation Fund Grants to groups to work with adults with Severe Mental Illness to help them engage with statutory and community mental health services and to develop community support plans where required. NHS England Mental Health Emergency Welfare Fund To provide one-off financial support to individuals with a known mental health diagnosis experiencing financial hardship. NHS Green Social Prescribing Development Fund To improve access to nature-based activities for underserved populations at risk of experiencing health inequalities in North Cumbria. NHS NENC Northern Cancer Alliance Community Connectors Fund Grants for grassroots charitable organisations to increase locally accessible information and support for anyone affected by cancer, including carers, family and friends. NHS NENC Northern Cancer Alliance Prehabilitation Fund Innovation grants for charitable organisations to support delivery of prehabilitation interventions/services for cancer patients across the North East and North Cumbria. NHS North Cumbria Better Care Fund Contributions to other NHS funds distributed by the Foundation. NHS North Cumbria Discharge Support Fund Grants to groups helping people regain and maintain their independence at home and in the community once discharged from hospital. NHS Waiting Well Programme Grants for charitable organisations receiving/wishing to receive referrals through the designated NHS Waiting Well/Preparing Well programmes across the North East and North Cumbria to address gaps in provision. Nuclear Waste Services LLWR Grassroots Fund Grants to community projects in the former Copeland district Nuvia Cumbria Fund Grants to groups that promote the long-term sustainability of the areas local to the Nuvia site and project activities. Out of Eden Fund Grants to charitable projects that benefit communities within the Upper Eden valley. Pappagallino Fund Grants to groups addressing social isolation and rural communities in Cumbria. Positive Enterprise Fund Helping young people aged 14-25 years in West Cumbria develop their enterprising ideas. Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund Grants to groups benefitting young people aged between 14 to 25 to improve their life skills, education, employability and enterprise. Quarry Hill Grassroots Fund Grants to increase young people's participation in sport, particularly in north Allerdale. Robinson Family Fund Grants to groups that work with the homeless, people with drug or alcohol addictions, people with a physical disability, and for aspiring young sportspeople aged 15-25 years old. Roselands Trust Fund Grants to projects helping people facing disadvantage, particularly those supporting older adults and people with learning difficulties. Rowan Community First Fund Grants to projects which focus on unemployment training for older and young people. Shepley Grassroots Fund Grants to small projects in areas covering the company's employees' residence. Solway Fund Grants to enable children and young adults in Maryport and Workington to develop skills that equip them for adult life. Staff 10th Anniversary Fund Grants to smaller projects and to disadvantaged people across Cumbria. Strummer Calling Community First Fund Grants to community based organisations addressing local needs in Cumbria. Swales Trust Fund Grants to students being educated for the farming, forestry and horticultural industries. Tallentire Wind Farm Fund Grants to community based organisations providing activities that benefit people close to the Tallentire wind farm. The Jeffrey Bond Memorial Fund Grants to support nature conservation and the environment in Cumbria. Thomas Graham Grassroots Fund Grants to increase young people's participation in sport, particularly in the former district of Carlisle. Thomas Milburn Fund for West Cumbria Grants to groups to relieve unemployment among those aged 1728 in the former district of Copeland, helping them into education, training and work. Transforming West Cumbria A multi-year programme, developed to address some of the most entrenched social and economic issues, by delivering viable transformational change and funded by Sellafield Ltd. UK Shared Prosperity Fund Grants to support work to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems in the former districts of Allerdale and Copeland. Ullswater Trust Grassroots Fund Grants to groups that benefit a wide range of people, particularly in Eden. Violet Laidlaw Trust Fund Grants to support homeless people in the former district of Carlisle. Warm Spots Fund To provide a warm, welcoming space to people impacted by the cost of living crisis to ensure that their health and wellbeing is maintained Welcome Fund Grants to relieve hardship and support displaced people, such as refugees and/ or asylum seekers, living in Cumbria. Westmorland Arts Trust Grants to community based organisations to enable residents in the former county of Westmorland to experience the highest quality of music, drama and the visual arts. Westmorland Family Community Fund Grants for groups which support the development of young people and the communities of Tebay, Brough, Shap, Kirkby Stephen, and Appleby-inWestmorland. William Milburn Trust Community First Fund Grants to charitable groups in the Brampton area addressing local needs. Wing Cdr H Thomson and Rev Green Grassroots Fund Grants to youth organisations in Barrow providing training in leadership, selfdiscipline, life skills and experience and respect for others Winscales Moor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Grants to community based organisations providing activities that benefit people close to the Winscales Moor Wind Farm. Winter Warmth Fund Grants to help vulnerable older people in Cumbria stay warm and healthy. Workington (Ashfield) Lawn Tennis Club Fund Grants to support the provision of tennis coaching to young people in the former Allerdale district. Young Persons Opportunity Fund Grants to groups to support the personal development of young people across the county. FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY CCF Holehird Trust Grants to community organisations supporting residents of the former county of Westmorland. Joyce Wilkinson Trust Grants to community groups in the former county of Cumberland, prioritising the parishes of Rosley and Westward. 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 22 23
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