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
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