The opportunity to apply for grants totalling more than £900,000 is now available for Cumberland based community schemes.
The UK government, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF 2025 - 26), is again making funding available to support the local economy.
£930,000 UKSPF funding allocated to Cumberland Council will be made available through the Community Funding team for schemes across Cumberland.
The grants are aimed at improving health and wellbeing, bringing communities together, supporting the visitor economy and growing the local social economy.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“Once again, funding is being made available to support our local communities and economy. Nearly £1 million of grants are now available for groups and businesses to apply for. Get in touch soon to make an application.”
Grants are available in the following categories:
Healthy and Inclusive Communities Revenue Grants
Impactful Volunteering and/or social action (£10,000 - £30,000).
Supporting local sports facilities, tournament, teams and leagues (£10,000 - £50,000).
Supporting local cultural, heritage, arts events and activities (£10,000 - £50,000).
Thriving Places Capital Grants
Enhancing existing cultural, historic and heritage institutions (£20,000 - £50,000).
Advice and Support for the Local Social Economy Revenue Grants
To support both new and existing social enterprises (£10,000 - £25,000).
Expressions of interest for REPF capital grant funding to support the local social economy and green spaces
Improving green spaces (£10,000 - £50,000).
Growing the local social economy (£10,000 - £50,000).
Information on all the schemes alongside advice and guidance and how to make an application is available from the Cumberland Community Funding team.
Please email community.funding@cumberland.gov.uk with contact details so they can arrange an informal chat to discuss your projects eligibility and request an application form. The team will be happy to provide advice and answer any queries you may have regarding the application process.
The Community Funding Development Officers will also be available to answer any queries on grant opportunities at the following events:
Tuesday 8 April, 1.30pm - 6.30pm at Priors Vault, Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle, CA13 8TZ
Thursday 10 April, 2pm - 7pm at Distington Club for Young People, Main Street, Distington. CA14 5UJ
Please note applications must be received by 12 Noon on Friday 25 April 2025.
Funding is expected to be available from June 2025 once formal government confirmation has been received.
Further UKSPF funding allocations will be announced in due course.