*Please note that we have received a high volume of applications for the current Community Partnership year, and our funding pipeline is oversubscribed. While we are still open to new applications, organisations planning larger projects are encouraged to consider a 2026 start. The first panel of the next funding year is expected to take place in January 2026.
Funding progression
The government has made Community Investment Funding available to communities who participate in the siting process for a GDF:
- during initial engagement, communities receive up to £1 million annually to support local projects and initiatives
- if a community progresses to more detailed stages of investigation, particularly when deep borehole investigations begin, this funding increases to up to £2.5 million per year
Creating a lasting legacy
Community Investment Funding supports three areas of development, each designed to create lasting positive change in participating communities.
Economic development
For example, employment opportunities, job creation, skills development, education or training, promotion of local enterprise, long-term economic development or economic diversification.
Environmental enhancement
Including cultural and natural heritage, especially where economic benefits, for example through tourism, can be demonstrated.
Community wellbeing
For example, improvements to community facilities, enhancement of the quality of life or health and well-being of the community.
Examples of funded projects
Community Investment Funding has been used to fund a variety of projects from revamping play areas and village halls, to funding IT equipment and health and wellbeing services.
Some of the projects funded over the years include:
- Community facilities: Renovation or creation of spaces that serve local needs, such as community centres, sports facilities or educational spaces.
- Environmental initiatives: Conservation projects, sustainable development programmes or improvements to public spaces and parks.
- Skills and training: Development of training programmes, support for local education initiatives or creation of learning resources.
- Business support: Programmes to help local businesses grow, adapt and create new opportunities for employment.
News from funded projects
Cumbria Community Foundation £49,812
Cumbria Community Foundation was granted £49,812 to support the Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund in South Copeland, providing individual grants to those over 60 who receive a state pension and/or pension credit or struggle to maintain a basic acceptable standard of living during the winter due to the cost of heating their home and the restrictions of cold weather. Copeland Age and Advice Service (CAAS) are helping to deliver the programme.
Millom STEM Club £2,000
Millom STEM Club received £2,000 to fund Haverigg Environmental Science project including the planting of wild woodland and pond plants and building a dipping platform. The wildlife will be accessible to all local primary schools, and will encourage a greater diversity of wildlife to inhabit the area.
Friends of Eskdale School £31,849
Friends of Eskdale School received £31,849 for the installation of the installation of Cumbria’s first school biodome and planters, soil, seeds, seedlings and nutrients for the first year. The installation of the biodome will benefit schoolchildren with their learning and the wider community for many years to come.
Millom Baptist Church £40,000
Millom Baptist Church has been given £40,000 to replace the wooden flooring in the community hall and remove and replace the old stairs, storage areas, and toilet. The community hall can now be enjoyed by locals for many years to come.
Inspira £13,614
Inspira received £13,614 to fund a school engagement programme in South Copeland offering students direct access to a range of employers and information on employment opportunities. This vital support will help to inform, inspire and shape young people’s future career choices.
Accessing and distributing funding
The funding programme welcomes applications from a diverse range of organisations, including community groups, public sector bodies, and businesses. Every project must demonstrate clear benefits for the community within the Search Area.
Organisations may also apply in partnership but would require one organisation to act as lead organisation for the partnership and ‘accountable body’ for the funding.
If you are an unconstituted organisation it might be possible for another organisation to apply for funding on your behalf.
Individuals may not apply for funding for their own personal use.
The distribution of funding follows clear principles to ensure fairness and effectiveness. As Search Areas may evolve during the siting process, the funding coverage adjusts accordingly, ensuring all included communities can benefit from the investment opportunity.
Apply for funding
Head to our application page to find out how to apply and begin your application.