Our News
Reflecting on a Year of Impact: Our Grant Making in 2024/25
Distributed
Grants
People supported in our communities
As we close the financial year, we are proud to reflect on the impact of our grant-making efforts across Lancashire and Merseyside.
Throughout the year, we have managed a blend of existing funds while forging new partnerships to establish additional grant programmes. These efforts have expanded opportunities for small charities and community groups to access much-needed funding, reinforcing our commitment to strengthening Lancashire’s voluntary sector.
New and Growing Partnerships
This year saw the development of a relationship with the Fort Vale Foundation, made possible by a generous donation from Fort Vale Foundation Trustees. The Fort Vale Foundation is dedicated to supporting local people and grassroots organisations across Pendle, Burnley, and Ribble Valley. Its focus areas include children and young people, STEM training and education, sport, environment and climate, medical advancement, and community integration/cohesion.
Our partnership with Lancashire Investor in Community member, Marsden Building Society also continued to thrive, with additional contributions to the Marsden Building Society Foundation—an endowment fund established in 2022. A portion of this fund comes from dormant accounts, repurposing unclaimed assets to fund projects that improve financial well-being through education, promote inclusion for over-50s and enhance local environments and community spaces.
Founded in 1860, Marsden Building Society is Lancashire’s has a long-standing tradition of community investment. By creating an endowment, Marsden Building Society will ensure its support for local causes in perpetuity. This year, the organisation expanded its commitment further with the launch of the Business Deposit Affinity Savings Account, which donates 0.25% of the total average balance to our Red Rose Responding Fund, supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives in Lancashire.
Supporting Local Communities
Our work with partners including the 1892 Foundation, BIBAs Foundation, Christal Foundation, Fred Mill Trust, John Laing Charitable Trust, EVA’s Awards, Lancaster Foundation, New Progress Housing, Preston New Road Community Fund, supporters of the Red Rose Responding Fund, Rossendale Community Fund and RWE Hameldon Hill Wind Farm Community Fund continued this year. Their generous contributions have enabled us to invest in and support a wide range of community groups across Lancashire
An additional thanks to our Lancashire Investors in Community members Backhouse Jones, Booths, Browsholme Hall, CKS Catering, Clayton Legal, Dewlay, DSM Accountants, Envirosystems, Essentialise, Harrison Drury Solicitors, IoT Horizons, James Hall, Kim De Vine, Makin Lightin, Marsden Building Society, Moore & Smalley, Nori HR, Nybble, Obas Group, Panaz, PM+M, Porsche Preston, Sales Geek, Star Tissue, The Business Network Central & East Lancs, UCLAN and United Utilities.
“We are incredibly proud of the difference our grant-making has made this year. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the strength of our partnerships, we have been able to direct funding to where it is most needed, supporting thousands of people across Lancashire. Looking ahead, we remain committed to growing our endowment, developing new funding opportunities, and ensuring that our support for local charities and community organisations continues for generations to come. A heartfelt thank you to our donors, partners, and the dedicated local organisations whose work changes lives for the better every day.”
Rae Brooke, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Lancashire
Stay connected for with us for updates on our grant programmes and how you can help support Lancashire’s communities.