Sustainable Development Fund

Supporting our vibrant communities

Due to the continued popularity of the SDF, funding for 2010 -2011 is now all committed to existing projects.

The future availability of SDF for projects in the Lake District National Park will not now be known until after the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review on 20 October 2010.

Latest news

7 September: Sustainable community buildings

Until March 2011, The Lake District Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) has teamed up with and Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust (CWMET) and CAfS to provide a ‘one stop shop’ approach to funding and advice for energy efficiency matters for community buildings.

If you have a project which relates to the energy efficiency of a community building (school, village hall) please contact Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) on 01768 210276 for further information on this funding programme and project illegibility.

Other news releases

6 September 2010 - Heat on high
17 August 2010 - Cash for carbon trash
30 April 2010 - Red hot green power
14 January 2010 - Bagging a carpet first

What is sustainable development?

Sustainable development is based on the idea that the quality of people's lives and the state of our communities, is affected by economic, social and environmental factors. The links between them influences our quality of life now and in the future.

What is the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund?

With help from Defra we have a grant scheme to support projects that combine economic, social and environmental benefits and have positive impact on future generations.

Projects that help support the Vision for the National Park, consider new ways of living and working that look after the Lake District National Park or projects that increase understanding and enjoyment of the Lake District’s special qualities are particularly suited to funding.

How to apply

For details of previous projects, application form and contact deails see How to apply

How does the SDF link with climate change?

In line with the Vision for the National Park and our Climate Change Action Plan, the SDF is keen to encourage projects that recognise and address the effects of global warming and increasing energy consumption.

Climate change is directly linked to the increase of carbon in the atmosphere. Our actions in everyday life, from using electric and gas at home, to driving to work all have a direct impact. However we can all take steps to reduce our carbon footprint - check out our Toolkit for Sustainable Living. As an organisation, we aim to lessen our carbon emission by up to 100 per cent by 2012.

As an individual, what can I do?

The basic principles are reduce, re-use and recycle. You can also check out our Toolkit for Sustainable Living.

Useful links

(all open in new windows)