Funding
Funding Advice and Support : How We Can Help You
Funding Officer Support
Cumbria CVS has dedicated funding officers to help your organisation or group. We can:
- Help you to identify sources of funding in order for you to adapt and develop services or help your organisation to survive the current funding crisis
- Provide advice to you on what makes a strong (and therefore more likely to be successful) funding application
- Assist you by reading over and commenting on your application prior to submission to give your application maximum chance of success
- Help you by asking questions on your behalf to funders prior to submission where possible
- Help you to develop, write and submit funding applications where required if you do not have the capacity to do
- Help connect you with other voluntary, statutory or private sector organisations who may be able to be partners in your application or service delivery
Case studies:
If you would like one-to-one help, advice and support in relation to funding for your voluntary or community group or social enterprise, please contact us by emailing: CVSfunding@cumbriacvs.org.uk or call 01768 800350.
Meet the Funders Events
We run Funding Fairs around the county, so it’s easy to find one near you. You will meet local and national funders face to face and pick up top tips for raising money. Visit our Training & Events page for details of future sessions
Funding Training and Networking events
We offer a regular programme of funding training, including Writing Successful Funding Applications, Design For Wiser Action workshops, and Peer Networking events with a focus on funding. Visit our Training & Events page for details of future sessions
They are a great opportunity to learn, practice and share learning with the support of our officers who facilitate these engaging and informative sessions.
Online Resources
We have a range of resources available to support your organisation:
Funding portal
Our online self-service portal makes it easy to find funding for specific activities or services by category, geographic area and more.
Supported by a user guide and ‘how to’ videos, the portal allows organisations to access vital funding opportunities directly. To access the portal, follow this link to register: https://funding.idoxopen4community.co.uk/cumbriacvs
The portal forms part of a range of support available from the This Is Us project, thanks to funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Westmorland and Furness Council.
Who is it for?
This service is available to voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations delivering services in Cumbria. To qualify, organisations must have an annual turnover of £1 million or less and be seeking funding for their own specific needs, rather than on behalf of others.
Focus on Funding
Focus on Funding is a regular publication to support local organisations and keep you abreast of current and new funding opportunities.
Previous editions:
If you would like to subscribe to Focus on Funding, please email info@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Unrestricted funding option for local voluntary organisations
Fundraising website easyfundraising turns online shopping into money for your voluntary organisation, charity or community building. When anyone connected to your organisation shops online with any of over 8,000 well known retailers, every purchase they make results in a free monetary donation for your organisation.
Funding available for small groups/organisations
If you are a small group and need that little extra for your activities, you can apply for a micro grant from The Eric Wright Charitable Trust.
Our panel meets every month to look at small local project applications – You can apply for up to £1000. The fund is open to all eligible groups on a first-come first-served basis. The applications deadline occurs every fourth Friday of a month, with the funding panel sitting every fourth Monday once a month.
Guidance Notes for The Eric Wright Charitable Trust small grants fund
Eric Wright Charitable Trust Small Grant application form
To find out more, get help with your application, and to send us completed applications email info@cumbriacvs.org.uk
You can apply for larger grants directly via The Eric Wright Charitable Trust website.
Funding Application Checklist
When you apply for funding you need to convince your potential funders that you have a project worth funding. This checklist gives you advice to help enhance your application. Funding Application Checklist
Funding Applications letters
Sometimes Charitable Trusts and Foundations will not have an application form but will ask you to apply in writing. This can seem daunting but, unless stated otherwise, your letter need not be more than 2-3 sides of A4 long. This guide covers the main points that the funder will need to know. Funding Applications letters
Funding Tips
If you’re applying for funding here are a few tips to consider when putting together your application. Funding Tips
Are you Fit to be Funded?
Before you even think of applying for funding, make sure that your organisation is ready to receive it. Funders want to know that you are capable of managing their money, that your organisation is fit and healthy, and that you have all the necessary policies and procedures in place. Are you fit to be funded?
Contact Us
If you would like our help, advice and support in relation to funding for your voluntary or community group or social enterprise, please contact us by emailing: CVSfunding@cumbriacvs.org.uk or call 01768 800350.
