The generosity of a Cumbrian woman who left £500,000 in her will to charity will benefit communities across the county for years to come.
A charitable fund has been set up in the name of Margaret Ewins, of Ings, near Windermere to honour the bequest she made to Cumbria Community Foundation.
The Margaret Ewins Memorial Fund will be managed by the foundation and will make grants to good causes around the county, helping those most in need, from children and young people to vulnerable older people.
Caroline Adams, development manager at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We are so grateful to Mrs Ewins for choosing to leave such a generous gift to Cumbria Community Foundation in her will.
“We have set up an endowed fund, which means the money very kindly left by Mrs Ewins to support good causes will be carefully invested and grants will be made each year on the returns of that investment.
“As a result, Mrs Ewins’ wonderful legacy gift will enable us to support vital projects, community groups and individuals in need for decades to come.”
The Margaret Ewins Memorial Fund will award grants in line with the foundation’s grant making priorities. These are:
Improving Lives, with four priority areas:
- Reducing Poverty
- Reaching Potential
- Improving Health
- Tackling Social Inequality
Strengthening Communities, with two priority areas:
- Nurturing Sense of Place
- Acting on Climate Change
Fiona Ward, managing director and solicitor at Tomson Hayton Winkley, has worked with the foundation to ensure Mrs Ewins’ wishes were carried out.
She said: “We are delighted Cumbria Community Foundation have created a memorial fund for Mrs Ewins through her legacy gift.
“She was very committed to supporting her community for years to come, and the Margaret Ewins Memorial Fund is a fitting way to mark her generosity and ensure her wishes are fulfilled.
“We are always happy to work with anyone who is thinking of leaving a gift in their will and talk them through the various ways of creating a lasting legacy.”
