Community Fund

Who can apply

We welcome applications from locally based voluntary and not for profit groups involved in community projects or initiatives.

Previous applicants have included village halls, play groups, community centres, environmental groups, residents and tenants associations, parish councils, local history groups, sports groups, youth groups and many others.

What we fund

Funding is available for projects that demonstrate lasting community benefit.

Our funding can be used to support the cost to purchase new equipment, the refurbishment of village halls and/or community centres, start-up costs of a new group or community initiative and a variety of other purposes.

Funding available

Funded through Westmorland and Furness Council's Locality Boards, grant funding is currently available from the following funds:

Community Grants Fund - Grants that contribute towards the setting up of new community initiatives or the purchase of new equipment or refurbishment costs for existing groups.
0 - 19 Services Fund - Grants to support projects and initiatives for organisations who deliver activities and projects for young people.

Applications are judged on their ability to:

demonstrate wide ranging and lasting community benefit
contribute to locally agreed community priorities set out in our council plan.

How to apply

Please read the guidance notes and contact us to discuss your project with one of our Community Development Officers.

You will need to provide:

a copy of your group's constitution
recent bank statements
annual accounts
equal opportunities policy (or statement)
a breakdown of all costs associated with your project supported by at least two quotes or estimates from suppliers.

Applications from projects that work with children, young people or vulnerable adults will need to submit a child protection policy and/or a safeguarding vulnerable adults policy.

We can provide advice on the supporting documents and policies required, please contact us: