A Richmondshire funeral directors has launched their first community fund to offer support for local charities and good causes.
The John Blenkiron & Sons Community Fund has £20,000 available for not-for-profit organisations to apply for to assist with their work.
Successful applicants will represent causes benefiting people who live within a three mile radius of John Blenkiron & Sons branches in Richmond, Barnard Castle, and their new branch in Catterick which is set to open in April.
James Blenkiron is business principal at the business his father John founded in 1968.
Speaking about the fund, he said: “It is a great honour that, with the support of Funeral Partners, we can help organisations in the communities we are so proud to serve.
“Not just here, but across the country, people need support, and we urge local charities and other good causes to come forward to apply for grants.
“The cost-of-living crisis has also impacted on people’s ability to donate to charities so hopefully we can make a difference and bridge that gap.
“It’s so important Funeral Directors are part of the community, and hopefully this will strengthen our ties even further.
“No matter how large or small you are, we would love to hear from you so we can connect and engage with local projects.”
Senior funeral director Rebekah Taylor added: “I am excited see the applications we receive and just how many people we can help.
“We are regularly asked by our local community for support, and this is a perfect way for us to do so.
“Over the last few years, we have put so much time and energy into community work, so to be given the opportunity to help more with this dedicated £20,000 fund is so exciting.
“It’s important for everyone to see that, as Funeral Directors, we are not just here for them at a time of bereavement, but we are also here day to day, to be a part of something exciting and build and maintain relationships within our community.”
Grants will be available to projects which align with one or more of the fund categories which are health, education, employment opportunities and poverty or social deprivation.
Each applicant can ask for a grant between £300 and £1,500, with each entry judged by a panel from John Blenkiron & Sons.
The window for applications opens this Monday at noon and closes on May 5 at noon. Those applying must demonstrate how they will improve the quality of life for local residents.
A second window for applications will open later this year on August 1.
For full terms and conditions, and details about how to make an application visit https://www.blenkirons.co.uk/community-fund/
Anyone with any questions relating to the fund should contact the team via email on blenkiron.community@funeralpartners.co.uk
