Local Projects Supported by Life-Changing Fund in First Year
A community allotment, a village hub, and support for young people affected by suicide are just some of the projects that have been supported by the Matson Ground Fund in its first year.
Founded in 2025 by Alex and Samantha Scott and managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the fund aims to strengthen communities by addressing local needs. It provides funding for projects that bring people together, encourage social action, and improve community spaces.
One of the projects supported by the fund is the Hesket Newmarket Community Shop, which received a grant of £10,000 to create a community hub. The shop, which was taken over by local residents in 2026, now offers a welcoming space for people to meet, combat loneliness, and provide various training sessions and events.
Simon Hewitt, Chair of the Hesket Newmarket Community Shop management committee, said the hub will play a crucial role in addressing rural isolation and loneliness, as well as providing a safe space during emergencies such as power outages and flooding.
The Windermere Park For All project also received a grant of £4,674 to build a new concrete bowl skate park, replacing the outdated one. The project, initiated by local parents and park users, aims to provide a safe and fun space for children and the wider community to gather and be active.
According to Ben Berry, Chair of Windermere Park For All committee, the project is about more than just providing a skate park, but also about giving young people a sense of ownership and belonging within their community.
The Distington Community Trust was awarded £3,000 to transform a piece of wasteland into a lively community allotment. The project aims to create a central meeting place for residents, promote physical activity, and combat loneliness. Trust secretary Joy Jones expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community, saying it has brought people together in unexpected ways.
The Matson Ground Fund has also extended its support to Every Life Matters, a charity that works towards preventing suicide. The charity received a grant of £25,000 over two years to provide support for children and young people in Cumberland who have been bereaved by suicide.
Chris Wood, Chief Executive of Every Life Matters, highlighted the impact of suicide bereavement on young people’s mental and physical health, emphasizing the need for this project.
No Rainbows Without Rain, a charity based in Workington, received a grant of £5,000 to support their work in helping families and individuals facing poverty and hardship. The charity provides food, clothing, and household essentials, as well as organizing Christmas dinners and presents for those in need.
Samantha and Alex Scott, founders of the Matson Ground Fund, expressed their joy in being able to support these projects and their confidence in Cumbria Community Foundation to manage their giving. Sarah Thompson, Grants and Programmes Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, also expressed gratitude for the fund’s impact in just one year and the trust placed in them by the Scotts.
The Matson Ground Fund will distribute £100,000 in grants each year for 10 years, creating a total investment of £1 million into community-driven charitable activities across the county. Organizations interested in applying for funding can visit the Cumbria Community Foundation website for more information.
Cumbria Community Foundation, which manages over 100 grant-making funds, provides around £6million in grants each year to local charities and voluntary groups. To find out how to support their work and those in need in Cumbria, please contact Development Manager Caroline Adams.
