Abbeyfield Carlisle Society Over 55 Community First Fund

The Abbeyfield Carlisle Society Over 55 Community First Fund provides grants for charitable activities that benefit people over the age of 55 in the local authorities of Allerdale, Carlisle and Eden. The fund is administered by Cumbria Community Foundation and was established by Abbeyfield Carlisle Society Limited to support vulnerable older populations in these regions of Cumbria, England. Priority is given to projects that tackle disadvantage in rural communities and pockets of deprivation, including the 20% most-deprived wards. The fund particularly supports initiatives that reduce isolation for older people and improve the health and wellbeing of people over the age of 55. Eligible applicants include volunteer groups that work with older people and charitable not-for-profit organisations that support people over the age of 55. Supported projects include exercise classes for older people, befriending or social activities to reduce isolation, equipment for community centres that will also benefit older people, improvement of community facilities to improve access for older people, and IT classes and digital education for older people. Grants are normally less than £5,000 over one year, though there is no strict minimum or maximum award amount and applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation to discuss higher award amounts. The fund does not support individuals. All other standard exclusions of Cumbria Community Foundation apply. Interested applicants can contact Sarah Thompson for further information about applying.