In a region where there has been such a difficult start to the New Year there has been some good news, thanks to Northern Rock Foundation, which has announced a further 2 years funding for a Fund set up to help the future development of charities, support groups and voluntary organisations in Cumbria.
Since 2011, Northern Rock Foundation has supported the sustainability of the voluntary and community sector through the Fresh Ideas Fund, helping a number of organisations in Cumbria and the North East to explore new ideas and opportunities for income generation and new services.
Now, as part of its last legacy grant awards, Northern Rock Foundation has announced it will provide £500,000 to continue the successful Fresh Ideas Fund programme in Cumbria in 2016 and 2017.
The Fresh Ideas Fund will be run by the Newcastle based Northstar Foundation, which will be working closely with Cumbria Community Foundation.
The Fund will provide successful applicants with up to £50,000 to fund a feasibility study, apply for expert, specialist advice and cover start-up costs. A mentor from Northstar Ventures will also be on hand to support them at each step of the way.
At the same time, Northern Rock Foundation has transferred its £500,000 shareholding in Charity Bank, to Cumbria Community Foundation. Charity Bank is an ethical bank that uses its savers’ money to make loans solely to charities and social enterprises. This will strengthen existing links between Charity Bank and Cumbria and provide new support for the development of social investment in the region.
Alastair Balls, Chairman of Northern Rock Foundation, said: “Trustees are pleased to be able to continue to provide much needed grant funding for charities in Cumbria for the next two years through the Fresh Ideas Fund at what has been such a difficult time for the region.
“We also hope that Cumbria Community Foundation’s new relationship with Charity Bank will create social investment opportunities for the voluntary sector that will have long lasting benefits.”
Mark I’Anson, Director of Northstar Foundation, said: “Our partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation is an exciting development for the region. We are committed to helping voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across Cumbria explore new, sustainable sources of income, through delivery of the Fresh Ideas Fund. By connecting organisations with a mentor from Northstar Ventures, we are also able to support them with financial and business advice.”
Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said “We are delighted to be involved in these two partnerships to support social enterprise across the County.”