The Bernicia Foundation celebrates its fifth birthday with more than 8,000 people benefitting from £167,000 in grants to North East charities and young people in the past year.
A total of 30 grants were made by the charitable foundation to projects and individuals supporting communities and gifted youngsters striving to reach their goals in life.
Since it was created in 2020, The Bernicia Foundation founded by North East housing association Bernicia has channelled more than £1.2m into 183 projects helping tackle poverty, promoting mental wellbeing and pathways into work across hard-pressed communities.
The latest beneficiaries in the past 12 months include 17 Inclusion Grants supporting charitable organisations delivering essential services such as food support, mental health outreach, disability access, education and helping people find employment.
And 13 Inspiration Grants were awarded to support young people aged 24 and under over this period who demonstrate exceptional promise in areas such as sport, music and the arts.
An estimated 8,000 beneficiaries in 2024/25 are directly attributable to the Foundation’s support, including:
- Northumberland SpLinter Group – received nearly £10,000 to launch the ‘Waffling On’ project in Amble, establishing info hubs that empower 350 neurodivergent young people to develop life and work skills.
- Border Links (pictured) – awarded £10,000 to build a new kitchen at its Berwick Disability Hub, offering adults with learning disabilities the chance to learn essential cooking skills, gain formal qualifications and prepare for catering industry jobs
- North Tyneside’s Baby Equipment Loan Service & Toy Library benefited from a £10,000 Inclusion Grant, helping them to continue offering affordable toy and baby equipment loans to over 120 local families.
Jenny Allinson, Director of The Bernicia Foundation, said: “It’s a privilege to support so many incredible people and projects, especially as we celebrate five years of The Bernicia Foundation.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, who generously volunteer their time and expertise to ensure our grants go where they are needed most.”
Applications for The Bernicia Foundation’s latest funding round of Inclusion and Inspiration Grants open on 30 June and close on 11 August, with successful applicants announced in autumn.
Please go to berniciafoundation.com for more details and to apply.