A Cumbrian man has left a lasting legacy of support to his home community of Alston Moor.
When Nenthead resident Dick Phillips died, the proceeds from the sale of his property were gifted to the Alston Moor Community Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.
Mr Phillips asked the foundation to allocate his gift to the fund so that grants could be made to give back to the community where he lived.
The Alston Moor Community Fund was set up in 2006 by an anonymous donor who wanted to support the strong sense of self help and entrepreneurship that exists on the Moor.
The objectives of the fund were kept deliberately wide so that it could respond to changing community need over time.
Foundation chief executive Andy Beeforth said: “I spoke to Dick about his legacy gift about 15 years ago.
“He was thrilled to learn that someone had created a fund for Alston Moor and wanted to do what he could to build the fund so that it could help more local groups.
“Dick lived for many years in the area. I first met Dick in the 1990s when he worked for East Cumbria Countryside project.
“He was a kind and caring man with a strong commitment to his community. We are enormously proud to be able to carry on Dick’s legacy through the Alston Moor Community Fund.
“It is an amazing gesture. Because the donation is part of an invested fund the community will benefit in perpetuity.”
The foundation is keen that community groups in the Alston area apply for funding through the fund.
The Alston Moor Community Fund has supported more than 17 projects from helping to connect people with the arts and culture to supporting people’s physical and mental health, wellbeing and safety.
The deadline for applications is April 2.
For more information about how to apply, contact the grants team by phone on 01900 825760 or by email at [email protected]
If you would like to know more about how you can leave a charitable legacy in your will for your local community or a cause you care about and/or to commemorate a loved one please contact Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive on 01900 825760 or email [email protected].
