The COAT committee have made the difficult decision to close the charity. Please see a statement from our Chairperson, below:
Since it was formed almost 40 years ago Cumbria Overseas Aid Trust (originally called Carlisle Overseas Aid Trust) has made 422 grants totalling in the region of £310,000 to over 50 projects in many parts of the world. This is an amazing achievement of which we are very proud. Feedback from so many projects tells us that the impact of a COAT donation has been huge and often life changing… and completely disproportionate to the small amount of money given.
COAT has only been able to do this because of all the support we have had from people throughout Cumbria and beyond, who have supported us at our quizzes, ceilidhs, dinners, afternoon teas, and all sorts of other events; by being Trustees; by making and donating things for us to sell; by buying things at our sales; by being a 100 Club member (and generously often donating back their prize money); by donating money regularly or occasionally; and in so many other ways.
But the world around us has changed and poses new challenges. Like many organisations, we now find it very hard to replace Trustees who are stepping down. Also, our way of fundraising is tougher especially in a world of social media. Without good income, our capacity to make grants will diminish.
After a lot of thought and discussion, COAT Trustees have decided that the only way forward is to celebrate what has been achieved and acknowledge that the time is right for COAT to close. We believe it is better to take the decision now rather than allow our fundraising and our capacity to make grants to just wither away.
So, sadly, we have to tell you that COAT will cease its activities in early 2025.
We have always made grants as soon as we had money available and we will continue to do this right to the end, though please note that February 2025 is the last date that new requests will be considered.
With best wishes and many thanks from all of us at Cumbria Overseas Aid Trust.
Sue Buckwell
Chair, COAT