Organisations supporting people in challenging circumstances across South Lakeland and Westmorland can apply for grants of up to £20,000.
“The money from the Frieda Scott Charitable Trust can be used in a number of ways with previous recipients including Kendal based Manna House and Temple Sowerby’s Victory Hall,” said Frieda Scott Charitable Trust director Helen Carter.
Manna House support the homeless, the vulnerably housed or lonely and its chief officer Andrea Aldridge describes what a difference grants have made to them.
“We work with a lot of people that wider society has given up on. Frieda Scott have stood by us for years as we adapt our skills program and focus on genuinely relevant and meaningful services for our clients. Our Learning Kitchen and Wednesday Workshops, made possible with the generous support of the Frieda Scott Trust, expand service users’ horizons. They help them grow in confidence and engage in social activity,” said Andrea.
Dr Gavin Young from Temple Sowerby Victory Hall said a grant in 2018 allowed them to renovate downstairs rooms which had become almost unusable due to damp and a very uneven floor.
“In 2020 a further grant meant we were able to put in a stairlift giving wheelchair users and those with limited mobility access to the main hall,” he said.
“A hundred years on after the hall was built, the main hall is at last available to all. Without the grants from FSCT neither of these projects would have been possible,” added Gavin Young.
Well-established and new groups welcomed
Helen Carter says they welcome enquiries from both well-established and new groups who directly deliver programmes and services for the benefit of local communities.
To be eligible, organisations should be either registered charities, formally constituted groups or not for profit organisations providing demonstrable community benefit across the South Lakeland District area or the old County of Westmorland.
“The application process starts with a phone call, to discuss plans and eligibility,” said Helen Carter. “And we’ll help throughout the process.”
“As life continues to be difficult for many people, with winter pressures, increased household bills and the impacts of COVID-19. Making an application now could mean the right level of help and support is accessible, which is really important,” added Helen.
The wife of local businessman and philanthropist Francis C Scott, Frieda Scott supported those with most pressing needs in the area during her lifetime. When she died in 1973 the trust was set up in her name.
Approaching its 50th year of making grants, in recent years around £300,000 has been awarded each year across the Westmorland and South Lakes area. The Scott family founded the privately owned Provincial Insurance Company in 1903 and in 1918 the company moved its head office to Kendal
Anyone interested in applying for funding should call Celia Forsyth on 01539 742608 or email her at celia@fcsct.org.uk.
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