Cumbria Community Foundation Awards Almost £400,000 in ‘Levelling Up’ Programme
Cumbria Community Foundation has announced that they have awarded almost £400,000 to organisations in the county as part of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ programme. This initiative aims to address geographical inequalities across the UK by providing funding for start-up business support and helping those who are furthest from the labour market by providing upskilling and volunteering opportunities.
The funding was managed by Cumbria Community Foundation on behalf of Cumberland Council, in collaboration with Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership. In total, £389,994 was awarded to projects across Cumberland.
One of the recipients of the funding was Growing Well, who received £23,036 towards the cost of a minibus service at their new site in Egremont. This organisation offers free targeted and specialist mental health intervention to adults experiencing mental ill health by involving them in outdoor activities at their three market gardens in Cumbria. The money received has enabled them to buy a minibus and help fund driver recruitment and training, creating jobs in the local community.
Maisie Hunt, Director of The Rebuild Site CIC, was also awarded £39,940 towards the expansion of their operations into West Cumbria. This social enterprise takes surplus materials from construction sites and gives them to charities and community groups for building, gardening, crafting, and repair projects. Hunt expressed her delight at being awarded the funding, stating that it will allow them to set up a second site with a community focus and reduce useful materials going to waste.
The Centre for Leadership Performance received £19,500 to run workshops for businesses and soon-to-be retirees to ensure a successful transition to retirement, other employment, or volunteering opportunities. The Sense of Purpose programme aims to increase life satisfaction and wellbeing, enable retirees to remain economically active for longer, and reduce their reliance on health and social care services.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, expressed his gratitude for the funding and the positive impact it will have on the local community. He also mentioned that the council is looking forward to seeing these funded schemes develop in the future.
Annalee Holiday, Head of Grants Practice & Programmes at the Foundation, emphasized the importance of this funding in making a real impact on businesses and communities in the area. She also announced that a further round of grant funding will be open for application in the upcoming weeks.
For more information about grant funding available through Cumbria Community Foundation, visit their website or contact the grants team.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.