Charities and community groups in the Harrogate district have the opportunity to bid for thousands of pounds in funding.

A benefactor left over £100,000 in his will to Harrogate Brigantes Rotary, which raises money to help local and international communities.

The donation was given by a resident and member who wanted to see the funds being put to good use within the district.

Harrogate Brigantes is now preparing to give away £50,000 in the first wave of donations.

Groups are asked to outline why they should benefit. A second phase of funding, again offering £50,000, will be made available at a future date.

Brigantes president Bill O’Rourke said:

“Although we were very saddened to hear the news of our friend’s passing, we were honoured and delighted that they chose to bequeath such an incredible amount of money to us, which will in turn be used to help and support worthy causes across the Harrogate district. They understood our policy of ‘making a difference’ and wanted to ensure that we continued to have the ability to support local organisations which have a significant impact on the wellbeing of our community.

“In accordance with his wishes we are therefore making a first tranche of £50,000 available to local good causes, with another to follow at a future date. We are now seeking applications from organisations located within the former Harrogate Borough Council district and we are particularly keen to support those which have a strong connection to their local community and for whom a donation would make a significant difference.”

Matthew Stamford, director of estate agent Verity Frearson, Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals and Frances Elliot, chief executive of Harrogate and District Community Action, will draw up a shortlist of applicants.

Mr Stamford said:

“This is such a fantastic amount of money that can do so much good for many groups across the town and the district.”

Ms Canavar added:

“We know that Harrogate is home to a great number of wonderful charities and community groups, all of whom need financial support in these difficult times.”

Mr Elliot said:

“This money can really make a difference to people and groups within our community, and I would urge anyone who thinks they can make good use of it, to apply.”

Harrogate Brigantes is part of one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world, with around 1.4 million members across 200 countries and geographical regions.

To find out more click here and to apply for the funding click here.

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Harrogate Brigantes Rotary club is climbing to the peak of Everest, virtually, to raise money for its Covid Relief Fund.

To succeed members have to walk over 1,500 miles and climb 1,000,000 feet.

Over the past few weeks, members have been banking their miles by trekking across Yorkshire Dales, climbing up the steps to Knaresborough Castle or even in a high-rise apartment.

Twenty members have accumulated enough miles to reach Everest base camp. Now, all are working hard towards the President’s final assault to the peak.

The target is £5000 and most of the money raised will go to support two organisations. Carers’ Resource and Wellspring offer a variety of services to help people and communities suffering from the fall-out from Covid.

President of the club, David Hayes, said:

“The Covid pandemic has greatly increased the needs of many in our community. At the start of lockdown Harrogate Brigantes established a Covid Relief Fund to direct money to the most needy people and causes. To raise money for this we have had to think of innovative initiatives. The biggest so far is our virtual expedition to conquer Everest and get me to the top.

This is a great challenge as we’re all past our prime and are having to do a great deal of hill walking and stair climbing to get near the miles along and feet up we need. But I’m looking forward to the final assault.”

The rotary President stands on the peak of “Everest” – ahead of the final assault.

The President is expected to reach the peak over the next couple of weeks.

The Covid Relief Fund has been used to support a wide variety of local charities, projects and causes. Including supply of PPE to local health workers and care homes, afternoon teas for isolated older people, baking packs for young carers.

As lockdown has eased, the focus has changed to helping local charities dealing with the longer term issues such as mental health.

Read more:

• Knaresborough’s rotary club gets a new President – she’s a skydiving enthusiast. 
• A local emotional wellbeing charity has received further funding to continue to run workshops for children during the school holidays. 

The club has already raised £2500 in sponsorships. To donate to the cause, you can click here.