Local Communities Fund

Suitable For:
Voluntary or community organisations, registered charities, constituted groups or clubs, not-for profit companies or Social Enterprises (aiming towards having 3 unrelated Directors) and public sector bodies for non-statutory activity

Funding Size:
£10,000 - £30,000 (Small) £30,001 - £249,999 (Large)

Application Deadlines:
22nd January, 14th May and 17th September 2025

The ‘Local Communities Fund’ offers support for projects seeking funding in the area of South Cumberland and Whitehaven & Coastal (the former area of Copeland). The fund offers:

  • Small Grants (between £10,000 and £30,000)
  • Large Grants (between £30,001 and £249,999)

We are looking for projects that deliver benefits to the local community to address our 4 priority areas of focus:

  • Employment & Enterprise
  • Community Wellbeing
  • Children & Young People
  • Places & Spaces

Match funding requirements:

  • Small applications require minimum of 25% match funding already secured or applied for.
  • Large applications require minimum of 50% match funding already secured or applied for.

Projects must demonstrate that they can meet the NDA Local Socio-Economic Impact Strategy 2020.

Any project wishing to apply should discuss outputs with the Fund Development Officers to ensure they align.

Organisations can apply on an individual basis, however CCF also looks favorably on collaborative projects.

Exclusions for the Local Communities Fund will include:

  • Faith based activities (unless broader community use)
  • Community Play Parks
  • Residential activities (outside of Cumbria) including expeditions and overseas trips
  • Direct replacement of activities which are a statutory obligation
  • Businesses which distribute profit to company directors or shareholders
  • Social Enterprises NOT having 3 non-related Directors
  • Refurbishments or new build of community venues which will benefit only one user group
  • Activities that benefit individuals, rather than the wider community
  • Political activities
  • Retrospective costs
  • Loan repayments
  • Organisations based outside the UK

Please contact Copeland Community Fund on 07833048986 or [email protected] for further information, guidance and support prior to submitting a funding application.