COMMUNITIES across Cumbria will benefit to the tune of £20,000 thanks to the generosity of local housebuilders.

Charitable and not-for-profit organisations throughout the county will be able to apply for their share of the annual £20,000 pot provided by Penrith-based Genesis Homes and its sister company Russell Armer Homes.

The fund, run in conjunction with Cumbria Community Foundation, has been created by the homebuilders to show their gratitude and ongoing support for the areas the companies build new developments in.

Group Marketing Executive Katy Aris said: “We want to have a positive impact throughout our great county, because we all live and work here ourselves, and it is a great feeling to be able to support worthy causes.

“This is our way of saying a huge thank you for the incredible support of the local communities that have welcomed us with open arms. The ethos of Genesis Homes and Russell Armer Homes is to give something back wherever possible, and we couldn’t be prouder to be able to provide such a financial boost to Cumbria.”

The fund supports community-related environmental and educational activities run by local charitable groups that benefit communities in Allerdale, Copeland, Carlisle, Eden and South Lakeland. An organisation can apply for a grant up to the value of £3,000.

Grants can be awarded for costs and activities, including equipment, running costs for local groups, staff or sessional worker costs and environmental improvements to community facilities.

Group Managing Director Nicky Gordon said: “We know there are so many outstanding organisations out there that have a positive impact on the people in their community daily, and we are humbled to see how kind-hearted and caring volunteers in the county truly are.

“It will be an absolute privilege to play our part in helping these great causes prosper and provide more vital support to so many local people. We can’t wait to find out more about these wonderful, inspirational organisations.”

Ellen Clements, Senior Grants and Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said: “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."