Boardmasters Foundation Partners with Cornwall Community Foundation to Support Local Projects

Boardmasters Foundation has announced a new partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation to manage its grant making programme and strengthen its support for groups across the county.

A New Approach to Supporting Cornwall

Boardmasters, known as the UK’s biggest surf and music festival, says the partnership will enhance the Foundation’s impact by drawing on Cornwall Community Foundation’s experience as the county’s largest grant maker.

Since it began, the Boardmasters Foundation has focused on giving back to the communities that host the festival each August. By working with Cornwall Community Foundation, which has supported local groups for more than 20 years, the Foundation will gain expert knowledge, strong governance and close links with grassroots organisations.

Rob Spring, Festival Director of Boardmasters, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what the Boardmasters Foundation has achieved, and this partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation marks an exciting new chapter. Boardmasters has always been about more than just a festival, it’s about celebrating and supporting the communities that make Cornwall so special. By working with Cornwall Community Foundation, we can ensure our funding has even greater impact, reaching the grassroots organisations and initiatives that truly make a difference to local people’s lives.”

Tamara Sherston Baker, Development Director at Cornwall Community Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Boardmasters Foundation to support communities across Cornwall. Boardmasters has a long standing commitment to giving back locally, and we’re excited to help them amplify that impact. Our experience in grant making and deep connections with local groups mean we can ensure funding reaches those who need it most. This partnership is a perfect match, combining Boardmasters’ passion for Cornwall’s culture and communities with our expertise in connecting funding to grassroots action.”

Nearly £700,000 Raised Since 2017

More than £120,000 was raised by the Foundation in 2025, bringing the total to nearly £700,000. During the 2024 cycle, 52 charities, projects and organisations received support. Beneficiaries include The Wave Project, Newquay Train Station Toilets, Concrete Waves, public murals, the England Para Surf Team, Newquay Foodbank, the Nansleddan Arts Festival, Cornwall Pride, 11 local schools, the Newquay Museum Group and Mawgan Porth Village Hall.

Stories about some of these supported projects can be viewed on the Boardmasters YouTube channel.

📷NEWQUAY, CORNWALL : JULY 16TH 2024 - Recipients of the 2024 Boardmasters Foundation Awards. Image features Boardmasters founder and CEO Andrew Topham, photographed for Boardmasters/Gala Pr by Hugh Hastings.

What the Foundation Funds

Funding is aimed at projects in and around Newquay, Porth, Whipsiderry, Tregurrian, Watergate Bay and Fistral, as well as those working across Cornwall.

Two main pillars guide the grant making:

Culture
Groups or individuals involved with surfing, music, creativity, education or Cornish culture.

Community
Projects that improve the lives of people in local communities. Special consideration is given to work supporting diversity, inclusion and awareness of social issues.

Free Workshop Opens the Door for Applicants

Applications will open in the New Year. To help local groups prepare, Cornwall Community Foundation will run a free online funding workshop on 15th December. It will cover the application process, eligibility and guidance on crafting strong proposals.
Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cornwallcommunityfoundation1/1919333

More information about the Boardmasters Foundation can be found at the Boardmasters Foundation page: https://www.boardmasters.com/boardmasters-foundation

Details about Cornwall Community Foundation are available at the Cornwall Community Foundation website: https://www.cornwallcommunityfoundation.com