Foundation launches new grant fund to support social enterprises in Cornwall

We are excited to launch a new fund to support social enterprises in Cornwall. Social enterprises are businesses that seek to change the world for the better by making a profit like other businesses but investing those profits to create social change. There are more than 1,000 social enterprises in Cornwall, employing 13,000 people and engaging 30,000 volunteers.

Thanks to the generosity of the Harrison family, Cornwall’s Social Enterprise Fund is up and running and welcoming applications. Peter Harrison, founder of the fund, said, “Social enterprises already make a significant contribution to the economy of Cornwall. It’s very clear that there’s scope for the sector to help drive a recovery from the impact of COVID by creating employment, training opportunities and contributing to a sustainable future. I am delighted to be supporting the fund.”

Managed on behalf of the Harrison family by CCF, Cornwall’s Social Enterprise Fund is now open to applications and offers two support programmes. Start-up support is available to social enterprises in the very early stages of their development to support core costs. Step-up support assists social enterprises that are already up and running but seeking to build stronger businesses for the future.  The programme is designed to be flexible, matching the ambitions of Cornwall’s social enterprises.

Tamar Grow Local – a social enterprise supporting local growing in the Tamar Valley

Tamas Haydu, Chief Executive of CCF, commented, “We have awarded grants to social enterprises over a number of years from our general funds. Thanks to the generosity of Peter Harrison and his family, we are delighted to offer support specifically tailored to grow businesses in the sector and increase employment in Cornwall.”

Cornwall’s Social Enterprise Fund is also inviting donations from other philanthropists who having an interest in supporting businesses that trade in order to make a difference in their communities.  Matched funding on new donations is available up to a maximum of £100,000.

Tamas Haydu continued, “New donors to the fund will have the added benefit of knowing that their donations will have double the impact. We feel very privileged to be working with the Harrison family to make a real difference to employment and training opportunities in Cornwall.”

For guideline about eligibility and applying to Cornwall’s Social Enterprise Fund, please click here. If you are interested in donating to the fund and details of how to double your donation please contact Philanthropy Director, Amy Buzza-Blackwell at amy@cornwallfoundation.com.

Whole Again Communities is a social enterprise based in Penzance which encourages and supports people to cook good quality food from scratch