Community organisations in west Cumbria have been awarded almost £370,000 in funding.
Cumbria Community Foundation distributed the cash to 44 charitable organisations at its recent West Cumbria Grants Committee.
The money came from funds set up by local people and businesses including Lord Egremont, CCL Secure, LLWR, Shepley Group and Sellafield Ltd.
Two individuals also received grants to support their career development through educational grants.
Helping to improve digital connectivity, Isel Valley Community Partnership CIC received £15,000 from the Tallentire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund to bring fibre broadband to rural homes in the Blindcrake area.
David Roberts from the partnership said: “Our partnership was set up to facilitate the rollout of full-fibre broadband in the Isel Valley which is presently served by poor telephone and internet services.
“Government grants fall well short of the overall cost, so together with the work of volunteers, the substantial grant from Cumbria Community Foundation will go a long way in bridging the funding gap.
“This grant means that our project has every chance of a successful outcome for the benefit of the residents in what is officially considered a remote and hard to reach rural area.”
Bee Unique
New charitable organisation, Bee Unique, based in Flimby, was set up to support families with autistic children.
It received £2,000 from the CCL Secure Community Fund and the Shepley Group Fund to purchase sensory and tactile play equipment for community events.
Founders, Nadia Shaw and Dave Parsons, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support that we have received to date and it has allowed us to purchase the equipment to hold small events for a single family at a time during COVID restrictions, but the grant allows us to grow along with the easing of the lockdown and cater for more families.”
Other organisations to receive funding included Allerdale Disability Association. It received £8,618 from the Pappagallino Fund to support people with multiple disabilities.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels (Cumbria) received £2,000 from the Beeby Family Fund to support older people in the Wigton area by supplying them with nourishing meals.
There was also another boost for secondary schools in Allerdale with £98,000 from the Mary Grave Trust Fund, Beverley Charitable Trust Fund and Live the Dream Fund awarded to help provide disadvantaged students with access to laptops to help with their studies.
Annalee Holliday, Senior Grants, Programmes and Communications Officer, said: “There are many worthy organisations in west Cumbria that hold communities together.
“This is a great example of how philanthropy is helping local people and helping our communities to thrive. We are grateful for the continued support of all our fundholders.”
