Sustainable Development Fund: How to apply
Please contact us for application details, call our Sustainable Development team on 01539 792661 or email sdf@lakedistrict.gov.uk
What kind of projects do you support?
Example of projects we've given funding towards include:
- Energy Use Audit for Portinscale Village Hall
- Food and waste composter for Newton Rigg campus of the University of Cumbria
- School education programme, looking at local food production at Growing Well
- Community-owned farmshop in Witherslack
Have a look at Projects so far to find out more.
How much can I apply for?
You can apply for any amount, from a few hundred to many thousands of pounds. Our grants for community and voluntary organisations can be up to 75 per cent of the total project costs. For businesses they can be up to 50 per cent, subject to the total amount of what the project costs.
Your application does not have to fund an entire project, but it can help with parts of a larger project such as:
- feasibility studies
- practical work
- start-up equipment
- building works
- publicity and marketing
- staff costs and training
- initiatives that raise awareness of sustainability
- projects that raise and address the impact of climate change
You may well have to find the rest of the money from your own funds or other sources. This can include contributions in kind such as volunteer time at £50 a day (unskilled), skilled time at £150 a day or professional services at £250 a day. You can also include the value in kind of donated materials or the loan of equipment.
Do projects have to be in the National Park?
Not necessarily. However if your project is not within the Lake District National Park you must be able to show that your project will use, involve or benefit the National Park.
Is there a deadline for applications?
Applications can be submitted at any time. However, there is only a limited amount of money in the fund, so it is in your own interest to apply as soon as you can.
SDF panel meeting dates and application deadlines
Please contact us for the latest dates and deadlines.
Dates are subject to receipt of a minimum of three applications. The deadlines are there so panel members can have time to look through application details before the meetings.
There is a time limit for meetings, so if there are numerous applications, some may have to be deferred to a next meeting.
All applications are received on a first come, first served basis.
How long will it take to receive a decision?
We will let you know the SDF panel's decision within seven days of the meeting.
Decisions for applications received for £5000 or under are normally given within 7 days of receiving the application.
Application form and guidelines
Please download the SDF Application Form and Guidelines (opens Document Library), fill it out and return as instructed on the form. Please contact us before submitting your application.
Contact us
For further information, please call our Sustainable Development team on 01539 792661 or email sdf@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Useful links
Other local, regional or national organisations may be able to offer funding too. All links open in a new window:
- Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency
- Cumbria Rural Infrastructure Support Programme (CRISP)
- Friends of the Lake District grants
- Low Carbon Buildings Programme
- Plunkett Foundation - supporting development of rural group enterprise
- Rural Community Council for Cumbria
- Strengthening Rural Communities across the North West
