Cornwall’s Boardmasters Foundation Distributes £115,000 to Local Charities and Schools

The Boardmasters Foundation has announced the local organisations set to benefit from its annual charitable donations, distributing £115,000 to 40 local groups this year.

Since its inception in 2017, the Foundation has raised nearly half a million pounds for over 100 charities and organisations in Cornwall.

Supporting Local Schools and Organisations

This year, over £20,000 has been donated to schools across Cornwall, including Treviglas Academy, Newquay Junior Academy, Trenance Learning Academy, and Trevisker Community Primary School. Other recipients include The Wave Project, Adaptive Surf England, CLEAR Support, Safe Spaces Newquay, Cornwall Pride, Newquay Foodbank, TR7 Skatepark, and Auction House.

Andrew Topham, CEO and Founder of Boardmasters Festival, expressed pride in supporting local causes. “We’re proud to call Cornwall our home, and we’re just as proud to be able to donate to charities, schools, businesses, and support incredible and often vital local causes. Thanks to everyone who so generously donates at Boardmasters,” said Andrew.

Focus on Anti-Social Behaviour

The Boardmasters Foundation has also continued its proactive work in tackling anti-social behaviour, donating to The Schools Consent Project for a second consecutive year. This initiative involves workshops led by volunteer lawyers, educating students about the legal definition of consent. This year, the programme has expanded to reach 210 students, a 250% increase year-on-year.

For the first time, the Foundation has extended its support beyond Cornwall, hosting workshops at Epsom College in response to national demand.

Community Reactions

Drew Creek, Mayor of Newquay, praised the Foundation’s efforts. “I am thrilled to hear that half a million in funding has been donated in the area by the Boardmasters Foundation. It really does make a difference here,” said Drew.

Carolyn Webster, CEO of CLEAR Support, highlighted the impact of the Foundation’s donation on the development of safe spaces in Newquay. “It has had an immediate impact in the creation of a network of Safe Spaces and also a legacy in that it has inspired CLEAR to develop a blueprint to spread this approach across other towns in Cornwall,” Carolyn said.

Mark Warren, manager of Newquay BID, highlighted the impact of the funding on community events and safety. “We are thrilled to have received funding from Boardmasters Foundation to purchase staging infrastructure that can support events for the community through the year and also the funding to provide training to launch the first town centre-wide Safe Spaces project,” Mark said.

Contributions to Various Causes

The donations are being used for a wide range of purposes, from supporting independent creatives in Cornwall to developing community spaces and providing surf therapy courses.

Steven Mildenhall of Treviglas Academy expressed gratitude for the support, stating that the funds will enhance the school’s sound and lighting facilities in performing arts, inspiring and widening opportunities for all students.

Fred Andrews, Cornwall Team Leader at The Wave Project, said, “The money we have been awarded will be used to fund our award-winning Surf Therapy sessions here in Newquay and across Cornwall, helping young people struggling with their mental health to access the sea and enjoy the waves in a safe, supportive environment.”

Beneficiaries of Boardmasters 2023 Funds

The £115,000 donated by the Boardmasters Foundation this year will benefit the following organisations:

• The Wave Project
• Newquay Food Bank
• Safe Spaces Newquay
• Newquay Business Improvement District (BID)
• Black Voices Cornwall
• Nansledan Community Association
• Porth Residents Association
• Cornwall Pride
• Drop In And Share Centre (Disc) Newquay
• TR7 Skatepark
• UK Pro Surf Tour Independent Film
• Newquay Street Art Independent Project
• Blystra Arts CIC
• Clay Independent Film
• Amplify (DJ Lessons + Workshops)
• Auction House (Recording Studio + Exhibition Space)
• Newquay Beer Festival
• Adaptive Surf England
• Surfing England
• Newquay Marine Group
• Marine Conservation Society
• Newquay Boardriders Club
• Newquay Surflife Association
• Newquay Scout Club
• Surf Lifesaving Clubs
• Mawgan-In-Pyder Community School
• Newquay Junior Academy
• St Columb Major Ace Academy
• St Columb Minor Ace Academy
• The Bishops C Of E Learning Academy
• Trenance Learning Academy
• Treviglas Academy
• Trevisker Community Primary School
• Schools Consent Project
• Plus Multi-Year Donations To Concrete Waves Skatepark Beginner Slope + Newquay Train Station Toilets Refurbishment

Ongoing Support and Future Plans

The Boardmasters Foundation continues to build on its annual fundraising efforts, supporting both new and long-term partners. Applications for 2024 funds will open in the autumn.

Boardmasters Festival will take place from 7-11 August 2024 across two sites on the Cornish coast. Final Tier Day Tickets for Boardmasters 2024 are on sale now via Boardmasters.