Cornwall Community Foundation reaches £25 million grant-giving milestone

Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) has reached a major milestone, with more than £25 million now distributed to community groups and grassroots organisationsGroups of people coming together on a local level to address an issue. across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly since 2003.

The landmark figure represents more than two decades of investment in local communities, supporting over 10,000 community groups and grassroots organisations working to create positive change across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

From tackling poverty and homelessness to addressing rural isolationLack of access to people, services and transportation due to rural location., improving mental and physical health, supporting inclusion and creating opportunities for young people, CCF funding has helped local organisations respond to some of the most pressing challenges facing communities across the Duchy.

CCF’s approach to grant-making is informed by research into the issues affecting people and communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Working alongside donors, businesses, trusts and foundations, CCF ensures funding reaches the organisations that understand their communities best.

Through its Vital Signs research, developed in partnership with the University of Exeter, CCF brings together data and local insight to understand where the greatest needs and opportunities exist. The research covers key areas including health and wellbeing, poverty and inequality, education and skills, housing, communities and the environment, helping to ensure that funding responds to the realities of life in Cornwall.

One CCF grant recipientThe projects or organisations that are receiving funding. is The Oasis Centre, a community charity based in St Columb Major, supporting people across St Columb, St Eval and surrounding communities. Its main aim is to reduce loneliness and isolation while providing practical support to people experiencing hardship, ill-health, disability or other disadvantage.

Pat Walton from the Oasis Centre said: “I think it is fair to say that CCF grants have completely changed the lives of many we help and have given people a new purpose in life. By funding things that are so important – hot meals, exercise, simple projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. etc – people’s lives are changed.”

Another grant recipient is Kernow Youth, who provide a safe, supportive space for young people to connect, build confidence, develop life skills and improve their wellbeing. They said: “We have found our involvement with Cornwall Community Foundation to be extremely positive. The flexibility within the grant allowed us to tailor activities to the complex needs of our young people, which has been invaluable.”

“One aspect we particularly appreciate is the Foundation’s understanding of the challenges faced by SEN families and small community organisations. This has made it easier for us to deliver meaningful, safe and inclusive opportunities without unnecessary administrative pressure.”

But CCF sees its role as much more than simply distributing grants.

The Foundation acts as a hub of local knowledge, connecting donors with the causes that matter, supporting community organisations through the funding process and helping grassroots groups access the resources they need to make a lasting difference.

The £25 million milestone represents thousands of individual grants and countless hours of work by the community organisations, volunteers and people they support.

Every grant tells a different story – recent support includes: A grant from the Young Carers FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. enabled DisAbility Cornwall to provide personalised respite and wellbeing support for 18 young carers who often carry significant responsibilities at home.A grant from the Sedel-Collings Foundation Fund meant Georgia’s Voice could provide free mental health support to young women through weekly groups, a crisis Hub and wellbeing workshops, which many described as a lifeline.A grant from Howton Solar Farm Fund supported Landulph Memorial Hall to become storm-resilient and remain a vital community hub during the extreme winter weather.

Tamas Haydu, CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation, said: “Reaching £25 million of grant-giving since 2003 is an incredible milestone, but what really matters is what that money has made possible.

“This milestone is down to the remarkable generosity of our donors and supporters who believe in what we do and the real difference we can make. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together, and we know there is still so much more to do.

“This money is literally changing lives, and I couldn’t be prouder of this achievement.”

If you’re interested in supporting Cornwall Community Foundation, you can do so here: Donate now | Cornwall Community Foundation