Community groups supporting people across Eden will benefit from a new grant making fund

The new Eden Rural Community Fund, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, was set up by Eden Housing Association after the sale of its Eden Community Alarms (ECA) office in Penrith.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available to voluntary organisations and community groups that help improve the lives of vulnerable people.

Projects supported could include exercise classes for older people, befriending service to reduce isolation of carers, materials and equipment to run activities with disabled young adults, improvement of community facilities to increase accessibility and one-off grants for capital equipment will be considered.

Priority will be given to projects supporting older people, particularly those who are vulnerable and isolated, adults with physical disabilities, mental health needs and/or learning disabilities, carers and community and volunteer-led initiatives to deliver or improve access to services in rural areas.

Cumbria Community Foundation has been building philanthropic support for communities and grassroots groups for 22 years. In that time, working with individual donors and businesses, it has invested almost £60 million into local communities.

Beth Furneaux, Chair of Eden Housing Association, said:

“We’re pleased that the fund created by the sale of the former Eden Community Alarm offices in Penrith means that we’re able to continue providing support to the people of Eden. Though Eden Community Alarms closed some time ago, it feels like this is a positive way to ensure the legacy for supporting people in our rural communities lives on.”

Ellen Clements, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said:

“We’re delighted that Eden Housing Association has set up a fund and we look forward to working with them and helping them to support to support local people. This new partnership is a great example of how we can work with organisations to support local community groups and initiatives that make a big difference to the lives of those in genuine need.”

The fund is now open for applications. To apply or to find out more, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/eden-rural-community-fund or contact Ellen Clements, [email protected] or on 01900 825760 to check eligibility.

Eden Housing Association are members of the Rural Services Network.  You can find out more about them here.