Mention Cornwall to someone who doesn’t live here and you’ll get the usual idyllic gamut –sun, sea, sand, surf, pasties, ice cream, family holidays, fish and chips, and Poldark.
However, the majority of those of us who live here are well aware of the other side of the Duchy.
This is the county of deprivation and poverty where more and more families are reliant on foodbanks, where the gig economy leads to households on low incomes and an increase in everything from child poverty to a lack of affordable housing.
This the real Cornwall of families living on a literal cliff edge with some of the worst poverty in Europe and the horrendous impact that has on mental health, homelessness and hope.
It was all brought into sharp relief in the recent Cornwall with Simon Reeve documentary which fed the nation a much-needed bite of Cornish reality.
It may seem idealistic but everyone in Cornwall (and Westminster) now needs to work together to help improve the lives of so many of those who are in need.
Transformation Cornwall is a faith-based organisation which is also tackling poverty and exclusion, while Cornwall Community Foundation has awarded more than £9 million to Cornish communities in need of projects to help improve lives.
And here at Crowdfunder we're working with Cornwall Council to channel thousands of pounds of extra funding into projects, making a real difference in communities around the county.
Was Simon Reeve aware of how harsh life can be in Cornwall before he made his BBC two-part series?
“I was shocked by the facts – it’s really quite clear that some parts of Cornwall are among the very poorest in northern Europe and there are parts of Cornwall that have an income per head that’s on a par with really struggling places in Eastern Europe.
Do you have a great idea for a project or initiative that needs funding? Cornwall Council is looking to support not-for-profit organisations working with local communities in Cornwall.
We want to inspire individuals, community groups, charities and businesses to grow local projects and enhance nature with extra funding.
You can find out more about how it works, and if you're project is eligible over in our funding section.
There are two Cornwalls. The one we all love and that enriches our lives, and another that lies behind, where large numbers of people live on the edge of poverty, or in ill health, or in isolation.
The Coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak has put immense pressure on the community groups supporting people most in need in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and enormous strain on people who were already vulnerable before it began.
Our research shows that, in addition to immediate crisis provision, many community groups are now looking to develop or reopen services for the future. It could, for example, be adapting facilities to meet social distancing requirements, moving to larger premises to meet increased demand or recruting new volunteers to provide extended services.
Enjoy our Christmas cover Feed Cornwall by The CHAOS Collective and help support those in Food Insecurity.
Please help us to remain open during the Covid-19 crisis. We have extended the appeal due to...
Creating a Social Action Fund for the Bude area which will award grants to organisations...
Building a local produce market garden. Small scale growing supporting our community, soils and...
We are running a worldwide campaign to ask if you might team together with us and help save the...
We’re part of a national initiative launched by the Music Venue Trust to prevent the closure of...
Support for vulnerable young people who have experienced trauma and are at risk of falling...
Supporting survivors of Domestic Abuse and their children. During the pandemic contact to True...
Everyone should have access to food. We cook and deliver 7 healthy meals a week to people in need.
Please help us to remain open during the Covid-19 crisis. We have extended the appeal due to increasing numbers of people on the streets.
Fundraising to build and grow a community sharing scheme for Falmouth and Penryn. Committed to...
Please help Food Troops provide veg boxes for families struggling to afford good quality...
To enable and empower the most vulnerable adults in East Cornwall and rural areas to maintain...
Following the success of our Cornish Fuel Bank crowdfunder, we are now accepting ongoing...
We aim to ensure the future of live entertainment at the St Austell Arts Centre. Donations will...
The COVID-19 pandemic was too much for this much loved family business to bear. Help Brian to...
Our projects - SFP and Food Store are direct actions against real food poverty in our community,...
Cornwall (Christmas) buy local is a newly started free platform on Facebook for creatives and...
Raising vital funds to allow Redruth, Pool & Camborne Foodbank to deal with the increased demand across Cornwall due to Covid19
St Austell Town Band and Youth Band need your help to keep playing. Check out our musical...
I am raising money for The Little Princess Trust.
We aim to raise funds to enable The Shark Trust to develop a new citizen science app that will...
This report was initiated by the St. Ives Climate Action Group as a response to its interest in...
Using the power of technology to connect to people in need and improve mental health and...
The Big Dance Company Studios in Penznace are at risk of losing their home due to Covid-19!...
To bring music opportunities to young people through jam sessions, lessons and pop up events...
We are raising funds to spread festive cheer to our community and to help support both Millbrook...
Learn at your own pace on our crowdfunding course, designed for sports ideas and ventures starting out looking to raise funds.
Our team regularly host live and interactive sessions to share all the tips and know-how you need to be successful on Crowdfunder.
If applying to match funding from Sport England, this free PDF guide can give you all the information and inspiration you need to get started.
