Each year, we donate over £100,000 to a variety of good causes which include local charities, neighbourhood groups, schools and voluntary organisations. Where possible, we provide funding for community projects with a strong focus on activities that help those less fortunate, support education and encourage community integration.

As well as supporting a number of large initiatives throughout our operating area, we also provide financial help to many small local projects through our Community Fund. Regardless of the size of the initiative we support, our aim is to help make a real difference.

Right: Singing Out, Carlisle Cathedral's outreach programme, received a donation from the Society.

Some of the projects recently supported by the Society include:

Savvy Savers - Students from the Furness area in South Cumbria took part in a financial education challenge, sponsored by the Society, which saw them develop a new children's savings account. The challenge was designed to help build their economic and business understanding as well as developing financial capability skills.

Lake District Calvert Trust - The Society has agreed to support the Trust's bursary scheme for three years. The Trust's residential centre near Keswick provides opportunities for people with disabilities to take part in outdoor adventure activities such as sailing, climbing, abseiling and horse-riding. The Society's donation will be used to help people from our region to visit the centre.

Singing Out - Carlisle Cathedral's outreach programme, 'Singing Out', received a donation from the Society. As well as singing coaching, the programme aims to help children grow in confidence, build teamwork and develop creativity and concentration. The Society has recently agreed to extend its support for a further year.

Amongst other events, we have also supported the Cumbria School Games, the StagedRight Theatre Group in Carlisle, the REACT Foundation Science & Engineering Shows in West Cumbria, a science competition in Barrow, a breastfeeding support group in Dumfries and an employment programme for disabled school leavers in Kendal.

In addition, we have provided a number of raffle prizes or small donations to groups and individuals raising funds in support of local causes such as Great North Air Ambulance, Eden Valley Hospice, CFM’s Cash for Kids appeal, and local branches of Age Concern and the Rotary Club.

Left: Students taking part in Savvy Savers at Barrow's Forum 28.

In addition to our own community work, we provide an annual donation to Cumberland Building Society Charitable Foundation. Functioning as an independent body, the Foundation was set up in 1998 to focus on assisting local charities. Each year we support the Foundation by making a substantial donation.

Our staff, as active members of the community, are also supported by us in the voluntary work that they do to help their favourite charities and other worthy causes.

How to apply

The Cumberland Building Society Community Fund offers donations to non-profit organisations, voluntary groups and schools benefiting communities within the operating area of the Society. We specifically welcome applications for financial assistance from those that support educational projects that will benefit people living within an area served by the Cumberland Building Society.

Donations will usually range from £50 to £1,500; however, funding of up to £10,000 can be awarded to specific educational projects or community events that involve a significant number of people. The amount of the donation will be dependant on the degree to which the project or event is perceived to help the community and/or the number of people involved. Certain exceptions apply and these are available on request.

To apply for a donation, please contact us using this form.

For applications of less than £50, or for raffle prizes for community events, please contact the manager of your local branch.