How to apply
Funds for 2008 - 2009 are now available
What kind of projects do you support?
Example of projects we've given funding towards include:
- Westmorland Damson Association – Damson Day April 2007
- the purchase of horse drawn logging equipment to help access remotely forested sites
- Help promote The Exchange at Crosthwaite , a community facility to help compensate for the loss of the village shop.
Have a look at Projects so far to find out more about these and other projects.
How much can I apply for?
You can apply for any amount, from a few hundred to many thousands of pounds. Our grants for community and voluntary organisations are normally up to 75% of the total project costs. For businesses they are up to 50%.
Your application does not have to fund a project in its entirety, but it can help with parts of a larger project such as:
- feasibility studies
- practical work
- start up equipment
- building works
- publicity and marketing
- staff costs and training
- initiatives that raise awareness of sustainability
- projects that raise and address the impact of climate change
You may well have to find the rest of the money from your own funds or other sources. This can include contributions in kind such as volunteer time at £50 a day (unskilled), skilled time at £150 a day or professional services at £250 a day. You can also include the value in kind of donated materials or the loan of equipment.
Do projects have to be in the National Park?
Not necessarily. However if your project is not within the Lake District National Park you must be able to show that your project will use, involve or benefit the National Park.
Is there a deadline for applications?
Applications can be submitted at any time. However, there is only a limited amount of money in the fund so it is in your own interest to apply as soon as you can.
How long will it take to receive a decision?
The grants panel meets approximately every six weeks. We will let you know their decision within seven days of the meeting. For the date of the next meeting, contact the Sustainable Development team.
Application form and guidelines
Please download the SDF Application Form and Guidelines (opens Document Library), fill it out and return as instructed on the form.
Contact us
For further information, please call our Sustainable Development team on 01539 792661 or email sdf@lake-district.gov.uk
Useful links
Other local, regional or national organisations may be able to offer funding too. All links open in a new window:
- Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency
- Cumbria Rural Infrastructure Support Programme (CRISP)
- Friends of the Lake District grants
- Low Carbon Buildings Programme
- Plunkett Foundation - supporting development of rural group enterprise
- Rural Community Council for Cumbria
- Strengthening Rural Communities across the North West
