Cumbria Community Foundation is urging more community groups to apply for funding through the Joyce Wilkinson Trust Fund.

The funding is available to community groups in the former county of Cumberland, especially those in the Rosley and Westward, Caldbeck, Wigton and Aspatria parishes.

Grants are distributed from the fund twice a year and the Foundation is looking for more applications for the next panel which takes place in December, particularly from projects supporting older people, children and young people.

Ellen Clements, Senior Grants and Donor Services Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation said: “We are enormously proud to have been able to carry on Joyce Wilkinson’s legacy since 2008. Many local projects have benefited from a share of £428,000.”

Last month, £42,764 was awarded to ten different community organisations, including Aspatria Community Centre, Wigton Theatre Group, Northern Fells Group and Rosley Church.

Wigton Theatre group, received a grant for £9,000 to improve its facilities. The grant will be used to refurbish the seating in the auditorium and hopefully increase audience levels and community participation.

Dennis Graham, Chairman said: “We are extremely grateful for the generous grant from the Joyce Wilkinson Trust as we believe this will encourage matched funding from other organisations as well as improve our facilities. Other aspects of the project include fitting new front doors, refurbishing the worn-out roof and renewing the toilet facilities. We now have several partners in this drive to secure the future of the theatre – Allerdale Borough Council, Wigton Town Council, Cumbria Community Foundation, Joyce Wilkinson Trust, Hadfield Trust and other private donations. We regard our role very much as a community facility and make the theatre available to all.”

Westward Parish Room received a grant for £1,870 to redecorate the inside of the building.  Barbara Stoddart, Vice Chair said: “Already it has made the venue so much better and more welcoming. We use the venue for various community events as we are a rural parish but really appreciate the help this grant gives us to keep the halls as the hub of the parish.”

Applying to the Foundation for a grant is straight forward and staff are always looking to help organisations with their applications.

The deadline for applications to the Joyce Wilkinson Trust Fund is 8th November 2019. For more information about how to apply, contact Ellen Clements by phone 01900 825760 or by email [email protected]