Applications are now invited for this year’s Cornish Lithium Community Fund grants, which the pioneering Penryn-based mineral exploration and development company launched last year. 

The Cornish Lithium Community Fund awards grants of between £250 and £2,500 to support the work of local clubs, charities and activity groups that seek to make a positive difference in the company’s project areas, which now include Blackwater, Carharrack, Chacewater, Gwennap, St Agnes, St Day, Twelveheads and China Clay Country around St Austell.  

In particular, Cornish Lithium encourages applications from groups in those communities whose projects enhance skills and education, upgrade social welfare facilities, support industrial heritage and mining history, improve environmental impacts, or promote health and wellbeing. The deadline for this year’s round of applications is 9am on Monday, September 18, 2023. 

The fund is administered by the Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) and a panel will meet at the end of October to assess eligible applications and select the projects that will receive grants to be utilised during 2024. 

“Last year’s successful recipients ranged from art, bowling, gardening and ukelele clubs to a village hall, a pre-school and a project that supports parents and children through outdoor learning activities,” said Cornish Lithium’s ESG and sustainability manager Lucy Crane. 

“Each one of them delivered projects that enriched their communities, whether by offering comfort, reducing social isolation, promoting inclusive learning or stimulating mental wellbeing and we look forward to assessing new applications from more clubs, charities and activity groups in our project areas that strive to benefit local residents.”

Cornwall Community Foundation’s head of programmes Sonya O’Hea added: “Cornwall Community Foundation is delighted to be working with Cornish Lithium again to administer the company’s Community Fund. Small grants make a big difference to the groups and communities who benefit from their support.” 

Cornish Lithium is a Cornish company, which aims to support the UK’s transition to renewable energy by creating a secure and environmentally-sustainable domestic supply of lithium for electric vehicles and batteries.

• For more information on the Cornish Lithium Community Fund and how to apply, visit https://www.cornwallcommunityfoundation.com/news/cornish-lithium-community-fund/