The Sarah Nelson Fund

Inspired by the values of Sarah Nelson who created Grasmere Gingerbread® in 1854, this fund puts people before profit. It supports charitable organisations across Cumbria that help individuals reach their full potential. The fund's priorities reflect the life and values of Sarah Nelson, who overcame poverty through resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Grants prioritise projects that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, improve education for children and adults, encourage creative and sustainable business ideas, and tackle food poverty. The fund honors Sarah Nelson's legacy: she was raised in poverty by a single mother, taught local schoolchildren to read using letters made from Grasmere Gingerbread®, used her creativity and entrepreneurial flair to build a business and lift her family out of poverty, and invented Grasmere Gingerbread® as a way to generate income and support her family. Priority is given to projects that address more than one of the priority themes.