The joy of giving is synonymous with Christmas, but there are gifts that can have an impact long after the festive season has finished, and the decorations are packed away.

Ann Clark made such a gift through her will to grow the Brian and Ann Clark Fund at Cumbria Community Foundation by leaving £500,000 to grow the Brian and Ann Clark Fund to £1.7 million.

In 2016, Ann created the Brian and Ann Clark Fund at the Foundation, which to date has given out more than £270,000 to almost 60 local charities.

Cumbria Community Foundation gives around £4 million in grants a year to local charities and voluntary groups through over 100 grant making funds set up by generous individuals, families and businesses.

Ann lived in Penrith and had been a social worker and specialised in children’s services before she retired. She had worked in both Whitehaven and Carlisle and was keenly aware of the needs of young people and people with disabilities.

“Ann was a private woman and didn’t seek publicity. We’re honoured that Ann and people like her entrust their giving with us,” said Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation.

“Funds like this are a wonderful way to allow a family name to live on and support causes that are close to someone’s heart in perpetuity.”

The income generated by the Fund is used to make grants to charitable groups tackling poverty and disadvantage caused by age, illness, disability or isolation as well as the preservation of important local buildings.

Some of the organisations that have benefitted include Age UK in Barrow; the Barrow & District Disability Association; Cultura Trust; Dignity in Dementia, Northern Fells Rural Community Development Group, which runs the Lend a Hand programme to provide shopping and other essential services for the ageing and vulnerable; The Oaklea Trust, which works primarily with people with a disability to help them lead more independent lives; drug and alcohol rehabilitation organisation The Well Communities CIC; and The Lighthouse Community Mental Health Hub in Kendal.

Cumbria Community Foundation helps individuals, families and businesses manage their charitable giving and philanthropy. For information on how to apply for funding contact the grants team by phone 01900 825760 or by email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.

If you would like to know more about how you can leave a charitable legacy in your will for your local community or a cause you care about and/or to commemorate a loved one please contact Caroline Adams, Relationships Officer, on 01900 825760 or email caroline@cumbriafoundation.org