Grant making priorities Cumbria Community Foundation’s vision is simple: Cumbria is a place where needs are met, and everyone can reach their potential. In working toward making this vision a reality, we have set out a new grant making strategy and priorities for 2025-2028, aimed at creating positive, lasting change for communities and individuals in greatest need across the county. The new priorities are grouped under two key themes: • Improving Lives: focused on reducing poverty, enhancing opportunities through education and skills, improving health and wellbeing, and tackling social inequalities. • Strengthening Communities: aimed at creating a sense of belonging, increasing climate resilience, and enhancing digital and community connections. Annalee Holiday, Head of Grants Practice and Programmes, explained how these priority areas were chosen. “These priorities have been shaped through engagement with local organisations, community stakeholders and experts, helping us to assess the critical issues facing Cumbria. Our 2023 strategy consultation and earlier community needs reports have also helped us build a comprehensive picture of where our support is most urgently needed and can be most effective.” This approach reaffirms our dedication to building resilience, addressing root causes, and amplifying the voices of the most marginalised. The new grant strategy will further support organisations to adapt, collaborate, and deliver meaningful change through larger and longer-term funding. Although we have a strong focus on supporting grassroots community groups and small-tomedium-sized voluntary organisations, we will continue to provide grants to individuals to help raise their aspirations and enhance their access to educational or vocational opportunities, as well as to support excellence in sports or the arts. Read more about our new grant making priorities on our website at www.cumbriafoundation.org/ apply-for-a-grant/grant-priorities/ Growing Well, Tebay Age Friendly South Lakeland Age Friendly South Lakeland was the first age-friendly network in Cumbria, established in 2021 thanks to the generosity of our donors. First developed by the World Health Organisation, age-friendly communities aim to help older people to continue to stay in their homes, participate in the activities that they enjoy, and contribute to their communities, for as long as possible. The initiative targets the needs of an ageing population – over 28% of South Lakeland’s residents are 65 and older, with this figure expected to increase to 33% by 2033. Activity is overseen by a steering group made up of representatives from Westmorland & Furness Council, public and third sector organisations, all working together. A 2023 community survey highlighted challenges such as loneliness, public transport accessibility, neglected pavements, and the need for better engagement with local authorities. Based on this feedback, the group developed an action plan to tackle key issues. One of the key strands of Age Friendly South Lakeland is the Age Friendly Premises Award, launched in 2024 to recognise businesses and organisations promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Age Friendly Coordinator Katie Gatt and the steering group put together a checklist which organisations must work towards to receive the award. It includes 45 points covering four areas: Physical Environment; Respect and Inclusion; Communication and Information; and Age Friendly Recruitment. To date, 39 awards have been granted. Katie said: Future goals for Age Friendly South Lakeland include promoting volunteering and securing additional funding for projects to engage older people, such as establishing on Older Persons Forum and a Duke of Edinburgh type scheme for over 55s. “This checklist has been created to help organisations, businesses and community groups to identify how they can make their services more inclusive for people all ages. Hopefully it will encourage firms and organisations to think about what they could do differently to improve the experience older people have when visiting their premises.” The first Age Friendly Premises Award is presented to Lakeland, Windermere 25 YEARS OF POWERING STRONGER COMMUNITIES 24 25
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