Communities across South Cumbria will benefit to the tune of £50,000 this year thanks to the generosity of local family-owned business, Lakeland.

Charitable and not-for-profit organisations that improve the health and wellbeing of local people, and projects that protect the environment, can apply for a share of the funding provided by the kitchen and homeware retailer.

The creation of the myLakeland Fund, in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation, allows Lakeland to expand its reach into local communities and show its gratitude and ongoing support for the Cumbrian community where the business was founded more than 50 years ago.

The experts in cooking, baking, cleaning and the home, Lakeland created the fund to give grants to charitable organisations that improve the health and wellbeing of local people and projects that protect the environment.

Priority will be given to community-led projects in or around Windermere, Kendal and South Lakeland, those that support young people, and organisations that have minimal opportunity for raising funds or are helping to address new or emerging needs.

A total of £50,000 is available from the fund and grants will normally be in the region of £5,000 to £15,000.

Fran Wilkinson, Head of Loyalty at Lakeland, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be launching the myLakeland fund in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation. Whilst Lakeland is now a national retailer, we were founded here in the heart of the Lake District, where our Head Office, Flagship Store and Distribution Centre remain to this day, and it’s important to us that we give back to the local community that has supported us. With the help of our myLakeland members, we’ve been able to commit £50,000 of support to local charities and not-for-profit organisations right here in South Lakeland and we’re looking forward to seeing the funds being distributed to those in need.”

Cumbria Community Foundation has been building philanthropic support for communities and grassroots groups for 22 years. In that time, working with individual donors and businesses, it has invested more than £56 million into local communities.

Sarah Thompson, Grants & Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said: “Lakeland have been supporters of our work for many years and we are delighted that they have decided to set up a fund allowing us to help the company distribute their charitable giving to community projects. They share our values and passion for strengthening communities in Cumbria.

“This new partnership and additional funding is a great boost and means we can continue to support local community groups and initiatives that make a big difference to the lives of those in genuine need.”

To apply for funding, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/mylakeland-community-fund  contact Sarah Thompson via sarah@cumbriafoundation.org or on 01900 825760 to check eligibility.