We manage a variety of grants and funds to invest in our communities and area to bring about positive change.
If you have an idea for a project and are looking for funding but can’t see anything relevant you can get in touch with your local community development team.
If you need support to complete an application form please get in touch with the contact person listed with the full details of that grant.
You can search for funding using our online funding portal this applies to both:
Grants available now
Support for arts and culture section in Eden and Furness
We’re running a fund to support the following sectors in the Eden and Furness areas:
- arts and culture
- heritage
- festivals
- events
The fund is for £94,000, and we’re offering grants between £2,000 and £10,000.
The deadline to apply is Monday 1 June 2026, at 10am.
Eligibility
- be a not-for profit organisation or charity. We cannot accept applications from individuals
- work in the arts, culture or heritage sector
- not be in receipt of regular arts and culture funding from us
- be based within the Westmorland and Furness, but you must carry out your work with the Eden or Furness areas
- show that your activity offers a clear and definable benefit to communities in Barrow or Eden
- provide a copy of your constitution, terms of reference or proof of structure
- have a bank account in the name of your group. Ideally, you should also submit your accounts from the last twelve months
- evidence that you can deliver your proposal and meet the agreed outcomes by 31 March 2027
- demonstrate that your work meets our corporate goals
We may consider applications from organisations based in South Lakeland. However, the project applied for must take place in the Eden or Barrow locality areas.
This information is a summary. We’ve published more information about the fund, including the criteria details in full (PDF , 161KB).
How to apply
Application form for arts and cultural organisation funding in Eden and Furness (DOCX , 1.9MB)
We’ve included instructions on how to complete the form on the first page. The form also has a checklist of information we need from you. Please ensure that you have included all the supporting documents.
You should send your application to us by email at artsandculture@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
If you have any questions or would like an informal discussion, please contact us by email to us at the above address.
You must submit your application by Monday 1 June 2026, 10am.
Active Cumbria
Active Cumbria have published a list of some funding sources available to businesses, charities and other organisations in Cumbria.
They also offer a Reconditioning Fund and a Travel Actively Fund.
Reconditioning Fund
The Reconditioning Fund supports Active Cumbria's 'Live Longer Better in Cumbria' programme, which programme supports older adults (particularly those with long-term health conditions) to be more active.
Travel Actively Fund (TAF)
TAF supports, encourages and enables people in specific target groups to be more active by cycling, walking and wheeling for everyday journeys in Barrow and Carlisle.
Community fund
Our Community Funds team welcome applications from locally based voluntary and not for profit groups involved in community projects or initiatives.
Housing grants
Housing grants help to improve your quality of life in your own home.
School transport
Our School transport team offer bursaries and grants for home to school transport.
Business Investment
Business support
Our economic development and regeneration team can offer support for local businesses and those looking to invest in our area, and signpost to advice, finance and grants.
Enterprising Cumbria
Enterprising Cumbria Grants of up to £500 are available for new start-up businesses from the Westmorland and Furness Accelerator programme.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership
Capital grants for social enterprises are available as part of a wraparound programme of support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.