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
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