A leading regional law firm has surpassed £700,000 in grants to support Cumbrian charities.
The Muckle Fund – a charitable fund set up by Muckle LLP in 2002 – is run in association with the Community Foundation and was set up as a way for the firm to give back to people, communities and good causes across the North of England.
Since then, it has awarded 737 grants totalling £713,679 to charities, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations across the North East.
Muckle gives 1 per cent of its annual profits to the fund, which supports charities and organisations that help young people, tackle disadvantage, improve social mobility, and champion causes close to the hearts of Muckle and its people.
Cumbrian-based charity Carlisle Key is one of those charities, receiving £9,500 in much-needed funding from the firm at a time when demand for the charity’s services is at an all-time high.
The charity works to support young people in Carlisle with housing, household essentials, utilities, and food – basic needs made challenging by the cost-of-living crisis.
Steven Harkins, homeless prevention manager at Carlisle Key, said: “When young people move into social housing, they move into an empty shell, adding more stress to someone who is already vulnerable.
“Muckle’s funding has been used to support them with furniture, as well as utilities to help them get on their feet; it goes a long way to keep the everyday manageable for these young people.”
Muckle’s senior partner, Hugh Welch, said: “We initially connected with the charity through our community fund and were very impressed with the work they do and the impact that has on young people in need in the local community, giving them support and confidence to live independently.”
In 2023 Muckle became the first law firm in the North East to be awarded a B Corporation certificate, joining a global community of organisations using business as a force of good.
Hugh said: “Since the fund was set up over 20 years ago, we have worked closely with numerous charities and organisations. They all provide vital and valuable services across the region, and we are proud to support their incredible work.
“We celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Community Fund two years ago. Since then, we have continued to reach new milestones, expanding our efforts and deepening our partnerships with charities and organisations that make a real difference.
“As a firm, we remain dedicated to supporting their missions and making a positive impact on the community around us.”
