Last updated: August 2026 | Funding availability, eligibility and deadlines can change, so please check the relevant funder’s website for the latest information.
This page brings together guidance, funding opportunities and support for community buildings and community energy projects in Cumbria.
A zero rate of VAT applies to qualifying energy-saving materials installed in buildings used for charitable purposes between 1 February 2024 and 31 March 2027. From March 2027, the reduced rate of 5% will apply. The latest government guidance should be checked to confirm eligibility.
ACRE – Village Halls Small Grants Fund
The ACRE Village Halls Small Grants Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 for modest improvements to rural community buildings, including boiler replacements and insulation. The main grant is currently closed, but any remaining underspend should be checked with ACRE.
Asda Foundation – Local Community Spaces Fund
The Local Community Spaces Fund offers grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 for projects to repair, maintain, expand or improve community spaces.
Baywind Energy Community Trust – Grants
Baywind Energy Community Trust provides grants for community organisations and projects in its prioritised geographical area of South Cumbria.
Biffa Award – Community Buildings
The Biffa Award Community Buildings programme supports improvements to community buildings, including renovations, heating systems, kitchens, toilets, roofs, windows and extensions. Grants range from £10,000 to £75,000.
Copeland Community Fund
The Copeland Community Fund provides grants for projects benefiting local communities.
Centre for Sustainable Energy
The Centre for Sustainable Energy provides guidance for village halls, schools and churches on funding energy improvements to community buildings.
Council 4 Community
Council 4 Community is a funding search service for community and business organisations, providing access to national grant opportunities.
Cumberland Council – Community Panels
Cumberland Council Community Panels may provide funding opportunities for community organisations.
Cumbria ACT
Cumbria ACT provides guidance and support for community buildings, including capital improvement projects and energy initiatives.
Its Guide to Funders 2025–2026 provides further information about potential funding sources.
Cumbria ACT also offers discounted building energy audits for eligible organisations. Find out more about energy audit support.
Charity Excellence Framework
The Charity Excellence Framework provides a free funding search platform for charities and community organisations.
Its Funding Finder brings together a wide range of grant opportunities.
Cumbria Community Foundation
The Cumbria Community Foundation provides grant funding for community organisations across Cumbria.
Its funding priorities include strengthening communities and acting on climate change.
View available funds and find out about the grant application process.
Cumbria CVS
Cumbria CVS provides guidance and support to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations developing funding applications.
It also offers support with sustainability policies, which can help organisations strengthen their funding applications.
Cybermoor
Cybermoor is involved in projects supporting rural energy resilience and sustainable transport.
Through the Borderlands Energy Investment Partnership, Cybermoor is leading a project exploring Vehicle-to-Grid charging at community buildings across Cumbria and Northumberland.
Energy Efficiency Sharematch
Energy Efficiency Sharematch supports eligible community and co-operative organisations to raise investment for energy efficiency improvements and alternative energy sources.
Note: The original funding information states that this fund ran until March 2026. Current availability should be checked.
Energy Resilience Fund
The Energy Resilience Fund provides finance for community and social enterprises to install energy-generating or energy-saving technology in community-owned or managed buildings.
Energy audit grants may also be available.
Enterprising Cumbria
Enterprising Cumbria provides support around net zero and decarbonisation, including opportunities relevant to community organisations and buildings.
Electricity North West – Social DSO Fund
The Social DSO Fund supports community-led projects that help shape the local energy future across the North West.
Funding of up to £25,000 may be available for projects involving renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate resilience.
Great British Energy Community Fund
The Great British Energy Community Fund supports community energy projects through feasibility and development funding.
Community Energy GO provides support to help communities develop their ideas and prepare for potential funding opportunities.
Groundwork – Grassroots Grants
Groundwork Grassroots Grants provides unrestricted funding for small, local organisations making a positive difference in their communities.
The 2026 programme offers grants of up to £2,000.
Hadfield Trust
The Hadfield Trust provides grant funding for good causes in Cumbria, including projects relating to social needs, young people, older people, the arts and the environment.
Harold and Alice Bridges Charity
The Harold and Alice Bridges Charity provides grants for charitable purposes, including capital projects and village halls, with a geographical focus on Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership
The Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership provides Community Investment Funding to support local development in communities involved in the Geological Disposal Facility siting process.
National Lottery Awards for All – Environment
National Lottery Awards for All – Environment provides grants of up to £20,000 for community projects that benefit the environment or help people connect with nature.
Energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects involving village halls may be eligible.
South Copeland GDF Community Partnership
The South Copeland GDF Community Partnership provides Community Investment Funding to support local development in communities involved in the Geological Disposal Facility siting process.
The Clark Foundation
The Clark Foundation provides grants for community projects in areas where Clarks employees live and work.
In Cumbria, funding is limited to Kendal. See the foundation’s FAQs.
The Stobart Sustainability Fund
The Stobart Sustainability Fund accepts applications for projects with a green, ecological or sustainability focus that benefit the environment.
Thrive Renewables
Thrive Renewables provides funding for community energy groups. It can be a useful source of information for projects at an early stage of development.
Westmorland & Furness Community Grant Fund
The Westmorland & Furness Community Grant Fund provides funding for voluntary and not-for-profit groups involved in community projects and initiatives.
Published by ACRE, this guide is a great starting point and guide for making plans. It features case examples of well renovated/retrofitted village halls, including Skelton Village Hall in Cumbria.
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