Discover Funding Opportunities

William Milburn Charitable Trust Community First Fund

The William Milburn Charitable Trust Community First Fund provides grants for groups and organizations within the parish of Brampton and surrounding areas including Castle Carrock, Hethersgill, Askerton, Lanercost, Scaleby, Upper Denton, Walton, and Farlam. The fund supports projects which address local needs and create opportunities within the area that make a real difference to people in need and the wider community. Grants normally range up to £5,000 over one year, though larger grants may be awarded depending on the project. The fund has supported diverse projects including young carers support trips, community music festivals, tools for children to maintain school vegetable gardens, drop-in clinics for people with acute hearing loss, and installation of new kitchens in village halls. The fund is administered by Cumbria Community Foundation and is available to community groups and organizations that benefit residents in the priority geographic areas.

The Border Fund

The Border Fund provides grants to support disadvantaged individuals and groups in Cumbria, with priority given to rural areas northeast of Carlisle, including north and east of Longtown, and through to Gilsland and Newbiggin, though funding covers the whole of Cumbria. The fund prioritizes projects that increase personal skills and independence, support individuals and communities in rural areas, support groups helping people build long-term skills, support disadvantaged individuals over the age of 25 who wish to change career, and support mental health. Examples of supported projects include groups supporting adults with homelessness, hearing loss, or domestic violence; groups providing training to build skills and confidence to disadvantaged adults over 25; mature students seeking a career change or professional qualification; and hardship costs enabling completion of studies or courses.