St John’s Innovation Centre, a dedicated technology innovation hub based in North Cambridge, accelerating the growth of ambitious innovative firms, has made a significant founding donation to a new community fund designed to make Cambridge a more equal and inclusive city.
The Cambridge 2030 Fund, managed by the Cambridge Community Foundation, will create new opportunities for residents of Cambridge City, with a particular focus on the Arbury and King’s Hedges wards in North Cambridge. Grants of up to £5,000 will be available for non-profit organisations working to provide young people and families with therapeutic support, bespoke mentoring and careers guidance, skills development and employment opportunities, as well as enrichment activities that build confidence, social skills and cultural capital.
Despite significant economic growth and prosperity, Cambridge remains impacted by inequality, with over 2,000 children living in relative poverty. Much economic deprivation is focused on Arbury and King’s Hedges, where young people face significant barriers to education, employment and wellbeing.
“St John’s Innovation Centre has been at the heart of Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem for nearly 40 years, supporting early stage business as they grow and generate wealth for the city. Based in North Cambridge, we’re proud to support young people from nearby parts of the city to enable them make the most of what Cambridge has to offer,” said Barnaby Perks, CEO of St John’s Innovation Centre. “There are so many exciting opportunities and incredible businesses in Cambridge. All of us who are involved in innovation share a responsibility to ensure that local young people feel the benefits of the economic growth on their doorstep.”
Alison Taylor, Chair of the Cambridge 2030 committee and CEO of Conscious Communications, said: “We’re hugely grateful to St John’s Innovation Centre for its very generous donation. It’s wonderful to see Cambridge’s business sector coming together to support our young people and ensure everyone can enjoy our city’s prosperity.”
The fund welcomes donations of £100 upwards from individuals and businesses. To donate or find out more, visit https://www.cambscf.org.uk/campaign/cambridge2030/
