Cumbria Community Foundation (CCF) has received a £50,000 share of money raised through an appeal launched by The National Emergencies Trust to help the organisation distribute grants to front line charities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CCF is one of the 46 local community foundations across the country to receive a share of the £11 million pot raised through the nation’s businesses and major charitable trusts which have stepped forward.
The money will be used alongside the Cumbria COVID-19 Response Fund administered CCF which, due to the generous donations from charitable trusts and generous individuals, now stands at just over £500,000.
CCF’s chief executive officer Andy Beeforth said: “The National Emergencies Trust appeal funding will be in addition to grants we award from our own Cumbria Covid-19 Response Fund. The generosity shown so far will ensure that we get through this unprecedented time with the most vulnerable people in Cumbria cared for and supported.”
The foundation’s first grants were being distributed this week to charitable projects across Cumbria that are supporting people affected by COVID-19, particularly those at risk from the virus, helping to keep them safe and supported in their homes, and reducing pressure on the NHS.
A number of applications have already been received from local community response groups. New and existing groups are supporting the community across Cumbria.
Smaller groups are also applying, including one application for a ‘Chit Chat’ phone service for a craft group for the visually impaired. The COVID-19 virus restrictions mean that this vulnerable group cannot meet for their usual regular face-to-face sessions and this phone service will be an opportunity for them to maintain contact and combat isolation.
For groups inquiring about funding, visit: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/covid19-response-fund or contact the grants team on [email protected]
In response to COVID-19, the foundation has already helped support the website: https://supportcumbria.org.uk with a grant of £1,000. The website provides a central point to help coordinate volunteering efforts to support Cumbria residents who may need help, and for volunteers to register their interest with local organisations.
The foundation is aware that many people and businesses will be struggling financially, however, for those that are able and would like to donate to the fund, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/Cumbria-Covid19-Response-Fund or contact 01900 825760. The fund is dedicated to Cumbria and provides a focus for charitable trusts, companies and other organisations who wish to support the community and charity response in the county.
For further information about The National Emergencies Trust appeal to raise funds to help local charities across the country visit: https://nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk/coronavirus
