Looking back on a year of giving…

At The Cumberland, we believe it’s important to give something back to the community and make a positive difference in people’s lives. That’s why we set up the Cumberland Building Society Community Fund through the Cumbria Community Foundation.

And so, between April 2020 and March 2021, we awarded 10 grants to local organisations totalling more than £110,048 through this fund.

Organisations operating in Cumbria, Dumfriesshire, Lancaster, Preston, and Haltwhistle can access up to £25,000 from the fund which can be used for any number of things such as maintaining or improving their organisation or developing a new project.

Who did we support?

Age UK Barrow and District Ltd

A grant worth £8507 went towards the Pennywise Project, which offered support, advice, and information to residents on financial awareness and money management.

Age UK Lancashire

We were pleased to help support a number of retirement and later life planning courses with a grant worth £10,000.

Brathay Trust

With a grant worth £10,000, The Strong Foundations: Successful Futures project supported pupils at Walney Secondary School with the sudden move from primary to secondary school during the pandemic.

Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service (CADAS)

Appointing a part-time services manager in Barrow and South Lakeland was made possible with a grant worth £12,500.

Dignity in Dementia

We helped with staff and volunteer costs with a grant worth £20,000, as well as enabling the organisation to expand into West Cumbria. They were able to appoint two part-time Community Activity Coordinators.

Preston Muslim Forum

A grant worth £8300 helped the organisation with operational and running costs.

St John’s Church in Hensingham

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt coaches in Carlisle, Eden, and Copeland were funding with the help of a grant worth £5000.

Susan’s Farm CIO

Susan’s Farm was able to pay for staff, overheads, and capital costs with the support of a grant worth £15,000.

The Share Foundation

The Stepladder of Achievement Programme supported local teenagers in care taking part in the Stepladder Plus programme with a grant worth £5,000.

Time to Change West Cumbria

Hiring additional support workers during the pandemic was made possible with the support of a grant worth £15741.

We look forward to another year supporting you and the organisations that make a positive difference in our communities.