Westmorland and Furness Community Fund
The Westmorland and Furness Community Fund is for projects and events which deliver wide community benefit in Eden. The fund was formerly known as the Eden Community Fund.
Who can apply to the Westmorland and Furness Community Fund?
We welcome applications from community and voluntary groups, parish and town councils, charities and social enterprises, for projects that benefit communities within the boundary of the former district of Eden. We do not accept applications from individuals.
To be eligible to apply to the Westmorland and Furness Community Fund, groups and organisations must have their own constitution (unless a parish council) and bank account, with at least two unrelated signatories.
What we fund
Only capital funding is available.
Grants are available for community projects and events that directly benefit Eden residents. Groups and organisations must demonstrate how their project or event will deliver wide benefit, contributing to the sustainability, vitality and well-being of Eden's communities.
We invite applications to the Westmorland and Furness Community Fund under the following categories:
- Community (outdoor) Amenities
- Community Buildings
- Community Enterprise
- Supporting Communities
- Community Events
How much money can I apply for?
The minimum grant for categories 1-4 (above) is £500 and the maximum is £12,500. For community events, the minimum grant is £200 and the maximum is £5,000. Awards towards the maximum grant levels will be the exception, and these projects and events will need to demonstrate significant community need and match funding.
There is a requirement for 20% match funding for all categories, although up to 10% can be in-kind.
We cannot accept an application unless you have the required number of written quotes and estimates. You must submit two written quotes or estimates for each item of expenditure between £50 and £2,500 and three for each item over £2,500.
| Application Deadline | Community Partnership to Assess Applications |
Decision Date (Cabinet) |
Grants Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 May 2023 | June 2023 | July 2023 | August 2023 |
| 15 September 2023 | October 2023 | November 2023 | December 2023 |
| 5 January 2024 | February 2024 | March 2024 | March 2024 |
Applying to the Westmorland and Furness Community Fund
We strongly advice all potential applicants to discuss your project or event with the Communities and Wellbeing Team on the details below before submitting an application.
Please read the Westmorland and Furness Community Fund Guidance Criteria 2023-2024 (PDF: 319Kb / 6 pages).
Applications for Project Grants
Please read the Westmorland and Furness Guide to completing application form 2023/2024 (PDF: 467Kb / 6 pages).
Complete the online Westmorland and Furness Community Projects application form.
Application for Events Grants
Read the Westmorland and Furness guide to completing events application form 2023/2024 (PDF: 462Kb / 5 pages).
Complete the Westmorland and Furness Community Events application form 2023/2024 (Word: 305Kb / 13 pages).
Is there anywhere else I can apply for funding?
See community funding throughout Cumbria for other sources of funding which are available for your project or event.
What have we funded in the past?
See a list of all funded projects Eden Community Fund Grants Awarded (CSV 53Kb).