The Fund’s focus has been shaped by the voices of the local community. Julie Spence OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Cambridge 2030 Ambassador and President of the Foundation, said:
“Feedback gathered from residents in Arbury and King’s Hedges has painted a picture of a caring, diverse, and tight-knit community with a strong sense of belonging but also of a community being held back by practical barriers.
Young people spoke powerfully about wanting visible pathways into skills, work, and careers, particularly in Cambridge’s science and technology economy. Families highlighted a lack of work experience opportunities and fragmented careers guidance as the biggest obstacles facing young people. There was also a strong call for more affordable sports, cultural, and youth activities close to home.”
The Cambridge 2030 Fund will directly address these needs, backing organisations that connect young people and families with the opportunities, guidance, and experiences they are asking for.
The fund will support organisations providing therapeutic support for children and young people, bespoke mentoring and careers guidance, skills development and employment opportunities, and enrichment activities that build confidence, social skills, and cultural capital.
Despite Cambridge’s reputation as one of the UK’s most prosperous and innovative cities, significant inequalities persist. In wards such as Arbury and King’s Hedges, young people face barriers to education, employment, and wellbeing that limit their life chances; barriers the Cambridge 2030 Fund is designed to help address.
Julie Spence continued:
“I have seen first-hand how inequality and lack of opportunity can shape the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Cambridge has so much to offer, but that has to mean something for every young person who grows up here not just those who are lucky enough to live in the right part of the city.
The Cambridge 2030 Fund addresses that at its root, investing in the support, skills, and experiences that give young people in North Cambridge a genuine chance to thrive. I am delighted to support it and I encourage everyone in Cambridge to get behind it.”
The fund is now open for donations, with grant applications set to follow later in the year when the autumn funding round opens on 2 May.
Members of the public, businesses, and organisations wishing to support the Cambridge 2030 Fund can donate here.
“
Cambridge’s success should be felt by everyone who lives here, but the reality is that some of our communities are being left behind. The Cambridge 2030 Fund is a practical response to that, channelling resources directly into organisations that are working every day to support children and young people. We are proud to be partnering with Cambridge 2030 on this important initiative.
”
Michael O’Toole
CEO of Cambridgeshire Community Foundation
Applications will open on 2 May. Organisations interested in applying can familiarise themselves with the fund criteria via the fund page here.
To learn more about Cambridge 2030 and its ongoing projects, visit: cambridge2030.org
