A charitable trust which awards financial support to a wide range of community projects in and around Furness is itself now looking for help.
The Sir John Fisher Foundation was set up in 1980 by Sir John and Lady Maria Fisher to share income with charitable causes.
Sir John Fisher was the Chairman of James Fisher & Sons plc, the Barrow-in-Furness based Shipping and Marine Services Company, founded by his grandfather in 1847.
Lady Maria Fisher was a well-known pre-war opera singer and she and her husband supported social and charitable organisations giving personal support as well as financial aid. Sir John gave a substantial proportion of his shares in James Fisher and Sons plc to the foundation to continue a charitable tradition.
Now two new trustees are needed by the foundation to work alongside five existing volunteers who manage the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
Since it was formed the foundation has helped dozens of deserving causes in the arts, music and education sectors. Applicants to the Barrow-based foundation come from a wide area stretching from Millom and Coniston to Grange and Walney.
Main grants, worth up to £20,000, are awarded twice a year with smaller grants of up to £4,000 also available.
The foundation receives around 150 applications a year with projects working with the most disadvantaged members of the community and in the most disadvantaged areas prioritised.
Trustees oversee the effective running of the charity and will spend up to 12 hours each month along with time to read applications in advance of the grant meetings held in May and November each year.
Previous board, trustee or grant-making experience is not necessary, and it’s hoped people with awareness of the issues faced in Barrow will apply for the voluntary roles which will close in January.
More details from executive director Pippa Smith at [email protected].
