Applying for project funding

Nurture Lakeland is now accepting applications for project funding!

We have Small Grants of up to £1,000 available for projects that look after the landscape and the environment. The grants are open to any projects that demonstrate a clear and positive contribution to the environment, for example by conserving biodiversity, taking measures to tackle climate change, educating communities, raising awareness or carrying out countryside maintenance. This year a higher consideration will be given to projects that relate to flood recovery work.  

‘Herdy Fund’ grants of up to £1,000 are also available for projects that promote the sustainability of rural communities associated with upland fell farming in Cumbria,  the Herdwick sheep species and the maintenance of the Lakeland landscape.

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information and/or an application for. Deadline for submission 31st January.  

Are you looking for funding or a grant?

If you are running a project and are looking for funding, we may be able to help. For a large or long term project we look to find one or more businesses to fundraise for it. For smaller projects we may be able to award a small grant to cover all or part of the cost of the project. We welcome applications from community groups and small organisations for small grants.

What kind of projects we support

Projects must demonstrate a clear and positive contribution to the environment, for example by conserving biodiversity, taking measures to tackle climate change, educating communities, raising awareness or carrying out countryside maintenance. They should normally be accessible to members of the public, and where possible involve and benefit local communities.

Amounts available

The amount of money available is always dependent on the amount of fundraising which our member businesses have been able to undertake each year. There are two different types funding available:

• Small Grants – up to £1,000 for smaller projects. Please not we may be distributing these funds to several applicants.
• Business sponsorship – for large or long term projects. Some large scale projects receive business support of several thousand pounds each year. However, the majority of our businesses sponsors fundraise a maximum of a few thousand pounds per year for their chosen project.

Who can apply

Support is open to charitable organisations such as village halls, youth groups or playgroups (your group does not have to be a registered charity), social enterprises and conservation agencies. Support is not open to individuals (except for applicants applying for funding from the Herdy Fun). Organisations must agree to abide by Nurture Lakeland's Fundraising Agreement or Small Grants Acceptance Agreement.

How to apply

Please read the detailed information above. If you think your organisation and project meet our criteria, please contact us  to discuss your project, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it a brief summary of your project (no more than one page). We will contact you to discuss the project and send you an application form if it is suitable.

What happens next

Applications for business sponsorship and small grants are considered by a Projects Panel, which meets twice a year. The panel is made up of the Nurture Lakeland chair and members of partner organisations. The panel will consider the applications and decide which projects to approve for either business sponsorship or a small grant, and the size of the grant to be awarded if applicable.