BOARDMASTERS raised a record £142,000 at this year’s festival to support good causes in the community.

Local organisations, charities, and individuals can apply for funds raised by the Boardmasters Foundation through an online grant application process.

The foundations aims to support grassroots projects, charities, organisations and community support groups to make a positive and lasting impact on Cornwall’s culture, environment, and people.

The funds raised at the 2024 Boardmasters festival marks a near 25% increase on the amount raised in 2023, and more than 35% more compared to 2022.

Andrew Topham, Boardmasters founder and CEO, said: “The funds raised at this year’s Boardmasters festival are a testament to the power of community spirit.

“The record-breaking final sum is not just a number; it's a reflection of our commitment to Cornwall and our desire to give back to the region that we are proud to call home.

“The Boardmasters Foundation was created with a clear goal of supporting culture and community across Cornwall, something that we, as a festival, are incredibly passionate about.

“Through the generosity of our audience and the power of the Foundation, we are able to do just that year-on-year. I’m very proud of all we’ve achieved so far through the Boardmasters Foundation and very much look forward to seeing what’s next.”

Recipients of the 2023 Boardmasters Foundation grants included Cornwall Pride, Team England Para (Adaptive), The Wave Project, Newquay Food Bank, Newquay Safe Spaces, Black Voices Cornwall and a host of other organisations and businesses, along with more than 10 schools in the region who received combined funds totalling £20,000.

The donations from the 2023 festival have also been used to fund independent creatives in Cornwall, develop community spaces, add facilities at Newquay train station, support community outreach programs, provide surf therapy courses, and support trainers and teachers, among other initiatives.

The Boardmasters Foundation donated for a second year to The Schools Consent Project, continuing its proactive work in stamping out anti-social behaviour at a societal level, engaging with schools in Newquay and wider Cornwall.

Workshops were hosted at high schools in the region, with volunteer lawyers teaching students the legal definition of consent, aiming to normalise conversations, safeguard young people and drive down sexual offending rates.

The Boardmasters Foundation was created out of a desire to give back and support the culture and surrounding communities in Cornwall.

The initiative aims to build on and grow the annual fundraising and charitable donations that the festival has made year-on-year. Each year, Boardmasters raises funds for the foundation and then reviews which projects and charities it will support with one-off donations while continuing to work with long-term partners including The Schools Consent Project.

Local organisations and individuals are encouraged to visit the Boardmasters website now to apply for funding.

The application process is designed to be accessible, and the foundation welcomes submissions from a wide range of causes. For more information, visit: boardmasters.com/boardmasters-foundation/