Community groups across Cumbria are being invited to apply for grants of up to £300 to organise events celebrating climate action, local food and nature this June.
The funding will support activities during Great Big Green Week (6–14 June) — the UK’s biggest celebration of grassroots climate action — and The Big Lunch (5–8 June), which brings communities together to enjoy food, friendship and local produce.
Funding is available for not-for-profit groups across Cumbria to help cover the costs of organising activities that bring people together and drive positive environmental change. Events in previous years have included repair cafés, community meals, nature walks, clothing swaps and talks on cutting household carbon emissions.
Cumbria Sustainability Network Coordinator, Helen Attewell said “I’ve had the privilege of seeing support for Great Big Green Week growing since its inception in 2021, and I have been constantly amazed and delighted by the variety of events and activities which local community groups have organised. I’m hoping this year will be no different, and that these grants will help even more groups and communities to get involved and do their bit!”
Up to £300 is available to groups in the Westmorland & Furness area to support them to organise events to raise awareness of climate, nature and carbon emissions during Great Big Green Week. In the Cumberland area, up to £200 is available to communities hosting food focussed events as part of The Big Lunch, or Open Farm Sunday on 7 June, promoting locally grown produce, low-carbon food options and low waste, plastic-free events.
In addition to funding, two free online events are available to help event organisers make the most of their activities. First up on Wednesday 25 March at 7pm is Tell Your Green Story: Media & Storytelling for Great Big Green Week — a practical session to help groups craft and share compelling stories about their climate and nature work via local media and social platforms. This is followed by Plan a Brilliant Low-Carbon Event on Wednesday 15 April at 7pm, packed with tips on reducing carbon footprints and planning greener community events, featuring input from local experts and event organisers.
Helen commented: “These sessions are a great opportunity for organisers to gain confidence, connect with other groups, and build practical skills that will help make their events a success.”
The funding is available thanks to Westmorland & Furness Council locality boards, and Cumberland Council via the Cumberland Food Partnership. Grants are managed by the county’s climate change charity, Futureproof Cumbria, through their Zero Carbon Cumbria programme.
