Welcome Fund

The Welcome Fund provides grants to relieve hardship and support displaced people, such as refugees and asylum seekers, living in Cumbria. The fund was created in response to growing need to support all displaced people who have been displaced by circumstances in their home countries. Funded by public donations and community fundraising events, the Welcome Fund offers hardship grants to individuals and families who must be supported by a recognised professional such as a caseworker, faith leader, support worker, representative of support organisation, or host family. When funding levels allow, the fund may also support organisations seeking to provide services for refugees and asylum seekers that lead to reduced social isolation and increased integration into local communities. The fund supports items or support in the relief of hardship not covered by Home Office funds and other Government support, initiatives that help support resettlement including access to work and education, and initiatives that promote community integration and cohesion while reducing social isolation. Currently, due to funding levels, the fund is only available to support applications from individuals.