Discover Funding Opportunities

Westmorland Community Fund

The Westmorland Community Fund focuses on supporting the communities in which Westmorland Ltd colleagues live. Grants are available for projects that help these communities thrive, create a legacy and deliver long term benefits. The fund was established in 2009 by the Dunning Family of Westmorland Ltd, which includes Tebay Services, Rheged, Westmorland Hotel and J38 Truckstop. Priority is given to projects that help named communities to thrive, support young people to reach their potential, improve mental health and wellbeing, have synergies with the Westmorland Family's business interests around sustainable development and awareness of the value of local produce, farming and craft, and have the potential to grow and have a real legacy. The fund serves the communities of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Brough, Kirkby Stephen, Penrith, Stainton, Shap, Tebay and Kendal. In addition to providing grant funding, Westmorland aims to build lasting, supportive relationships with the groups it supports. The goal is to create a two-way connection to ensure a circular benefit – where funded organisations, local communities, and Westmorland colleagues can share ideas, learn from each other, and grow stronger together over time. Examples of supported projects include skills training programmes boosting young people's confidence and employability, mental health workshops offering peer support, community building renovation, youth clubs offering creative and active sessions, and enterprise projects supporting new ideas through mentoring and training. Grants range from £500 to £10,000, with multi-year grants considered for projects that show strong potential to grow their impact over time. The fund supports community groups that work with young people, manage community facilities, or operate community-based services in the eligible area.

High Pow Community Fund

The High Pow Community Fund provides grants to voluntary and community groups for charitable activities that are environmental, community or education-related, and which benefit the communities in the Parish of Boltons, located close to the High Pow Wind Farm in Cumberland. The fund is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and sponsored by High Pow Wind Farm Limited. Grants are available for voluntary groups, community groups, or local partnerships which benefit the residents of Boltons Parish. Examples of previously supported projects include maintenance and upkeep of the parish church and village hall, replacement boilers for community centres, building renovation of childcare units, and provision for hot meals for pre-school children. The fund will not support individuals in addition to the foundation's normal exclusions.

Geoffrey Blake Architectural Heritage Fund

The Geoffrey Blake Architectural Heritage Fund provides grants to volunteer-led and charitable groups for community-based projects of architectural merit in Cumbria that enhance people's experience and understanding of the built environment. The fund was created by a private individual in memory of her father, who had a long-standing interest in historical architecture. Projects must have full public access and demonstrate clear community benefit. Supported projects include renovation of community features and landmarks such as watering holes, crosses and memorials; renovation of features of public buildings with particular architectural merit; creation of new work including sculptures and other built features; and reconstruction of historically significant bridleways. The fund does not support individuals or major building renovations. Grants typically range from £500 to £1,000, though there is no maximum award amount.