Grants

The Town Council try to provide financial assistance to local groups when its budget allows.  Applications are invited from representatives of any local group, club, organisation or society with a membership drawn from within the Town.

Potential applicants must apply using the Town Council’s application form.  For an application form click on the link below.

Application for Financial Assistance (pdf file)

Grants Policy (pdf file)

Grants are available to :

  • Help start new groups  
  • Help with running costs  
  • Help existing groups expand  
  • Help with the purchase of special equipment  
  • Help develop skills

Hellrigg Community Benefit Package

Construction of Hellrigg was completed in September 2011 and the wind farm is now operational.  The wind farm, located south east of Silloth in Cumbria, consists of four turbines that can produce up to 9.2 MW of electricity – enough clean energy to power around 5,700 households each year.

RWE npower renewables’ has made a voluntary commitment to the local Community to create a new community fund which will support local projects and organisations.  RWE npower renewables is investing £15,000 in the fund each year, totalling more than £300,000 over the life of the wind farm.

The fund is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.  Grants will be available for charitable activities for communities located close to the Hellrigg Wind Farm (Silloth or the parishes of Home St Cuthberts, Holme Low and Holme Abbey).  Groups within the parishes can apply for funding from this for projects they wish to undertake.

The fund is usually open for applications in the autumn. For details of how to apply and an application form please visit the Hellrigg Community Fund page on the Cumbria Community Foundation website.

Cumbria County Council Community Grants

Grants and Funding for Community Groups

The County Council’s Area Support Teams manage a range of grant funds that are used to invest in communities to bring about a positive and lasting change for the benefit of the whole community.

Who can apply for funding?

Applications for funding are welcomed from locally based voluntary and not for profit groups who are involved in community projects or initiatives. To receive funding groups must be constituted and hold a bank account in the name of the group.

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 can be funded?

Grants are available for projects that demonstrate lasting community benefit. Our funding can be used to support the cost of the purchase of new equipment, the refurbishment of village halls and/or community centres, the set up costs of a new group or community initiative and a variety of other purposes.

To find out if your project is eligible for funding or for further information contact your Local Area Support Team for a pre-application discussion.

What funding is available?

Funded through the County Council’s six Local Committees, grant funding is currently available from three separate funds:

  • Community Grants –  Small grants of usually around £ 1,000 to £ 1,500 or less to contribute towards the set up of new community initiatives or the purchase of new equipment or refurbishment costs for existing groups

  • 0 – 19 Youth Grants – To support projects and initiatives that have a child or youth focus

Applications for funding are judged on their ability to demonstrate wide ranging and lasting community benefit. Applications are also assessed on their ability to contribute to locally agreed community priorities and the council’s priorities as listed in the council plan and local area plans.

How to apply

We advise you to contact your local Area Support Team in the first instance to discuss your project with one of the Community Development Officers. Application forms, criteria and guidance notes are available to download from the Community Grants  webpage.

You will be required to submit a copy of your group’s constitution, recent bank statements, annual accounts, equal opportunities policy (or statement) and 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 be required to submit a child protection policy and/or a safeguarding vulnerable adults policy.

Completed applications for funding should be returned to your local Area Support Team office.

For details of how to apply and an application form please visit the Community Grants page on the Cumbria County Council website.

Funding your festival or event

Allerdale Borough Council is committed to supporting the development of festivals and community-based events that will enhance the arts and cultural offering in the borough. They have supported various festivals and events with grants of up to £2,000 through their festivals and events fund.

For details on how to apply for a grant and to download the festival and events fund guidance go to the Allerdale Borough Council website.