Community Fund

Funding is available for projects that demonstrate lasting community benefit.

Who can apply 

Local and not-for-profit groups running community projects for residents should apply. Previous groups that have received funding include:

  • village halls
  • play groups
  • community centres
  • environmental groups
  • residents and tenants’ associations
  • parish councils
  • local history groups
  • sports groups
  • youth groups

What we fund

Funding can go towards things like: 

  • start-up costs of a new group or community initiative
  • refurbishment costs of community hubs, including village halls and community centres
  • new equipment costs

Funding available 

Your project can receive up to £5,000 if it meets the priorities of your Locality Board

Locality Boards prefer to grant funding to projects that have applied for less than 100% of their costs.

If your group needs funding for all of your costs, you can search for other grants on our Grant Finder

How to apply 

Our Community Development Teams organise the Community Fund. There are three teams - Eden, Furness and South Lakeland. 

Please contact your local team before making your application. 

Find your locality area on our map (PDF , 3.5MB)

You’ll need to provide: 

  • copy of your group’s constitution
  • recent bank statements
  • annual accounts
  • equal opportunities policy (or statement)
  • a breakdown of all costs associated with your project, supported by at least two quotes or estimates from suppliers
  • a child protection policy (if working with children or young people)
  • a safeguarding vulnerable adults policy (if working with vulnerable adults)
  • minutes of your annual general meeting (AGM), if applicable

Contact your Area Community Development Team

For advice about your application, supporting documents and policies, please contact us:

Application form and resources

When to apply

Panels review applications before each Locality Board meeting at certain times. Each Board has their own approval process. 

Once budgets are final, future dates will be confirmed. 

If you need information about the application deadlines in your area, you should contact your local community development team.