A Burnley based not-for-profit community interest organisation with 'health and wellbeing at the heart of what they do' has been awarded a grant of up to £500.

The Equilibrium Foundation has been supporting local charitable organisations to make a difference to the lives of North-west communities since 2010.

Equilibrium has greatly exceeded its initial target of £250,000 by 2020, instead raising £1.1 million for the charities to expand their reach and availability of services.  

One strand of the Foundation is the Community Support Scheme, which runs twice a year to provide applicants with an opportunity to receive a grant of up to £500 to help support their operations. 

'Basically Cheer' Community Interest Company was announced as a winner of the Spring 2024 awards.

They have a dance and fitness programme for people of all ages to spread happiness in their community. 

Founder Lianne Bruce said: “It means so much to us having support like this available to help with initial start up costs. We are incredibly excited for the future and will be forever grateful.” 

“By receiving this grant, it means that we can move forward with our plans quicker and get the ball rolling with our new premises.” 

Debbie Jukes, partner and head of client care at the Equilibrium Foundation, said: “Our mission at Equilibrium is to make people’s lives better and it wouldn’t be complete without making a positive difference to the lives of those in our community.

“It’s truly an honour to be able to provide support to local organisations – especially those that are making a real difference in the North West and may otherwise struggle to find sufficient funding.

"The scheme is just one of the many ways we aim to help local communities.

“Our charity dedication is a company-wide commitment, with each team member receiving three paid volunteer days a year and our team of Charity Champions organising volunteer days in the local community to give back to worthwhile causes.

"Due to our team’s generous Give As You Earn contributions, we have also achieved diamond status – the highest possible Payroll Giving Award.

“With more than £1.1 million raised already, we are looking ahead to raising even more during the coming months and years with real optimism and determination.”

The Community Support Scheme runs every six months and the next submission deadline will be September 1.