The Lake District Calvert Trust has been given a £300,000 boost.
The charity, based in Keswick, has entered into an agreement with the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust.
The cash is available immediately to the Calvert Trust and will be paid back to the funder over several years under the terms of the social investment loan.
It is the first time the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust has enabled this type of agreement and it hopes it will allow it to work with more organisations supporting people in challenging circumstances across Cumbria and North Lancashire.
Giles Mounsey-Heysham, chairman of the Lake District Calvert Trust trustees, said: “The fundraising climate remains extremely challenging, so we are very grateful to the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust for their support.
“While their investment will be repaid in full, it leaves the Trust in a more financially secure position. It will also create social benefit and improve the lives of our beneficiaries.”
Peter Redhead, chair of the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust board added: “Offering affordable social financing means we can expand our capacity to positively support organisations working with people in challenging situations. We’re a long-term supporter of the Calvert Trust and the life-changing impact they make.”
The Lake District Calvert Trust has been supporting people with disabilities from its specialist Calvert Lakes residential centre and accessible riding centre near Keswick in the Lake District for almost 45 years.
Calvert Lakes has grown from being the UK’s first dedicated activity centre for people with disabilities, to welcoming around 3,500 visitors to stay each year.
These include individuals, family groups, specialist schools, accessible sports clubs, disability charity groups, supported living organisations and care homes across the UK.
Last year, the charity also opened Calvert Reconnections, the UK’s first residential brain injury rehabilitation programme combining traditional clinical therapies with physical activity in the outdoors.
