Cornwall Group
A partnership that grows
When Cornwall Group limited established their acorn fund with Cornwall Community Foundation in 2009 with an initial donation of £3,850, they planted the seeds of something extraordinary. Today, that small beginning has flourished into an endowment fund worth over half a million pounds, distributing more than £150,000 in grants to support communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
As a founding member of the CCF Business Club when it was established in 2008, Cornwall Group has demonstrated a long-term commitment to corporate social responsibility that goes far beyond one-off donations. Their approach exemplifies how strategic, sustained philanthropy can create lasting change.
From family business to community cornerstone
Cornwall Group is a family-owned business specialising in the manufacture, production and installation of glass and glazing products for commercial, trade, architectural and domestic customers. But their expertise extends beyond their technical craft – they have long embraced the idea of community support as an integral part of their business values.
Mark Mitchell, Chairman of the Cornwall Group, has been instrumental in driving this commitment to community. His dedication to Cornwall’s charitable sector extends beyond his business role – he also served as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for Cornwall Community Foundation, bringing invaluable insight and leadership to the organisation.
“Our family business established in 1978, now employs over 350 colleagues stretching from The Isles of Scilly into The Midlands. It is an absolute privilege to be able to work with the CCF in growing our fund and supporting so many wonderful groups. We are very proud to have some dedicated colleagues who sit on our grant making panel and make meaningful decisions.
If all the stars align and our business continues to prosper and flourish in good and trickier times it would be a marvellous goal to aim for £1m before I retire and hand over the reins!”
Strategic giving, maximum impact
The Cornwall Group Fund has supported just shy of 200 community projects to date, focusing on some of Cornwall’s most pressing challenges:In-work poverty – helping people struggling despite being employed Lack of opportunities – improving skills and opening doors for local people Rural isolation – responding to the lack of services and support in remote areas Housing crisis – tackling the immediate needs of homelessness Environmental sustainability – mitigating the impact of pollution and climate change
In 2024 alone, the Cornwall Group Fund supported 12 diverse projects with an average grant of £1,380, benefiting 4,070 people county-wide.
Fighting child poverty in Camelford: A £1,000 grant enabled The Old Bank community larder to restock with essential food items, hygiene products, and pet food, supporting 600 people in an area where 40% of children live in poverty.
Bringing generations together on stage: Chacewater Players expanded their performance space, allowing eight people who had never performed before to take to the stage, including a neurodivergent young boy who has flourished, memorising lines, learning dance routines, and gaining confidence.
Supporting vulnerable families: Home Start Kernow received funding to train and manage volunteers providing crucial home visits to 20 families across Cornwall.
Environmental education: Beach Guardian CIC delivered ‘Planet vs. Plastics’ workshops to 80 people, while St. Day Old Church engaged 70 young people in building bat boxes and improving environmental skills.
The endowment advantage
By building an endowment fund, Cornwall Group has created a sustainable model for giving. The capital is invested, and the annual returns fund grants in perpetuity – meaning their initial £3,850 donation continues to generate support for Cornwall’s communities year after year, long into the future.
This approach demonstrates remarkable foresight. While the fund has already distributed over £150,000, the endowment continues to grow, ensuring that Cornwall Group’s commitment to their community will benefit generations to come.
A model for corporate giving
Cornwall Group’s journey offers valuable lessons for other businesses:Start where you can – their £3,850 initial donation has grown into something far more significant Think long-term – building an endowment creates lasting legacy Trust local expertise – partnering with Cornwall Community Foundation ensures funds reach where they’re needed most Stay committed – 16 years of consistent support has created exponential impact
Looking to the future
As Cornwall Group continues to grow their fund and support local communities, they remain focused on addressing the most critical needs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The story of Cornwall Group and Cornwall Community Foundation is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses commit to being genuine community partners. From that modest acorn planted in 2009, a mighty oak has grown – providing shelter, support, and opportunity for thousands of people across Cornwall.
