The impact of Surviving Winter

For several years, Cornwall Community Foundation has run Surviving Winter, a fundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. dedicated to supporting people across Cornwall through the colder months. Thanks to your generosity, community groups have been able to provide life-changing support to those in need.

This year Surviving Winter provided £241,815 to Cornish groups through 63 awards. Below are just a handleful of these groups and how this funding helped them make a change:

The Sparkle Foundation
A £5,000 Surviving Winter grant allowed the Sparkle Foundation to help vulnerable people heat their homes and afford food. One elderly couple, struggling with the cold, received essential support, including heating and food provisions. The Sparkle Foundation continues to reduce hardship, prevent illness, and reassure people that they matter.

St Martin’s Church
In Liskeard, St Martin’s Church used their grant of £1,000 to provide immediate relief to families facing the impossible choice between heating and food. One young mother fleeing domestic abuse received £200 for a washing machine, which was installed by a church member. Alongside food vouchers and signposting to further support, the grant helped her regain stability. St Martin’s Church continues to provide essential aid through local networks and referrals.

Cosgarne Hall
A £4,874.44 grant supported the Cold Weather Provision Project, enabling beneficiariesIndividuals being supported by the group or organisation applying for a grant. to engage in outdoor activities. Women supported by the EVA Project were thankful for warm gilets and flasks. Those benefitting from Short-Term Accommodation Resettlement (RSAP) projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. really appreciated access to high-quality support packs that included food vouchers, that they felt gave them the dignity of choice.

EFGI Cornwall Aid Centre
With a £5,000 grant, EFGI Cornwall Aid Centre helped families struggling to make ends meet. A number of children received nutritious meals, easing the burden on parents. One child was overjoyed to have cereal again, while for an elderly resident, a hot jam sponge pudding brought back fond childhood memories.

Young People Cornwall
The charity used their £5,000 grant to provide food vouchers to families facing financial hardship. With rising food costs, fewer families could be supported than in previous years, but the impact was still profound, with many describing the help as a “lifesaver.” One grieving family found comfort in knowing they could afford food over Christmas, while a single mother going through a court case was relieved to receive support at such a difficult time.

Anchor Anglican Church, Fowey
Using their £500 grant, Anchor Church ensured struggling families could enjoy a Christmas meal. Many recipients were overwhelmed with gratitude including a family facing long-term unemployment. Unable to afford transport, they relied on food deliveries of mostly convenience meals. Providing them with fresh ingredients and vouchers for essential groceries made a real difference.

What’s next?
As we step into spring, we look forward to seeing our communities thrive. Seasonal businesses are picking up, and longer, sunnier days help boost wellbeing.

However, the need for support remains. Community groups continue to work tirelessly to care for people and protect our environment. You can make a difference by supporting our latest campaign, making a pledge to a cause you care about, or becoming a Friend of the Foundation.