Copeland Community Fund

21/10/2026

16/10/2026

🎥 Nobody's Born Hatin'

To mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Q***r Cumbria has launched a new film that shines a light on the real impact of hate crime and the importance of creating communities where everyone feels safe, respected and supported.👏

The film brings together voices from across Cumbria, sharing lived experiences and encouraging anyone affected by hate crime to report it.

Watch the film here: 🔗 https://www.queercumbria.com/project/nobodys-born-hatin/

Please help spread the message by sharing with your friends, colleagues and communities.

Hi there,

Q***r Cumbria are excited to share our new film, Nobody's Born Hatin' for National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

You can watch the film on our website here: www.queercumbria.com/project/nobodys-born-hatin/

Thanks to Cumberland Council and Cumbria Police for supporting and funding the making of this film.

Love & Solidarity,
QC xx

07/10/2026

A reminder that our £1000 Engagement Grants are still open 🙌🏻

We know that sometimes the best people to start the conversations with communities and groups are the people and organisations who already know them, work with them and have their trust!

Our Engagement Grants are there to help local groups get creative and engage their own communities in ways that work for them.

Applications are still open. Link in comments 🌟

30/09/2026

🌿DISTINGTON COMMUNITY TRUST – AWARDED £28,000🌿

Copeland Community Fund awarded Distington Community Trust a grant of £28,000 towards the final phases of the Distington Community Garden Development.

At the heart of the village, the garden is a community-led space bringing local people together to grow, volunteer, learn and enjoy the outdoors.🌼🌱🌷

The funding supported the purchase of new trees, hedging and wildflowers, alongside the creation of an accessible Memorial and Learning-to-Grow Garden, with raised growing beds and seating for the community to enjoy.

🎥 Hear how the project continues to make a difference to the local community 🫶

26/08/2026

🌟NATURE RICH MITERDALE PROJECT - AWARDED £110,000🌟

Copeland Community Fund awarded University of Leeds a grant of £110,000 towards the Nature Rich Miterdale project; a community led landscape for skills and wellbeing 👏

The grant supports staff salaries, volunteer expenses and training over two years. Nature Rich Miterdale is a community-led conservation and skills development programme based in the Miterdale Valley, West Cumbria ⛰ and is led by University of Leeds School of Earth and Environment department in partnership with Forestry England, National Trust and local stakeholders.

The initiative aims to restore over 200 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat while engaging local residents in nature-based volunteering, education and employment pathways. The project builds on the success of the Restoring Hardknott Forest project and is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and impactful. 🌲🌳

👉For more information, visit: https://bag.leeds.ac.uk/projects/nature-rich-miterdale/

25/08/2026

Hospice at Home West Cumbria are looking for volunteers to join their Moonlight Walk on 16th September🌙🌟🚶🏽‍♀️

Contact them via the details below for more info!👇🏼

25/08/2026

📣 Our Engagement Grants are now OPEN!

Local charitable, voluntary, community and not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to £1,000 to bring people together, gather local views and help shape the future of South Whitehaven. 💚

Activities need to take place by 30th September 2026.

👉 Link in comments to apply!

Need a hand with your application or want to chat through an idea? Just get in touch through the Contact page. We are more than happy to help.

16/07/2026

🚴‍♀️ Community organisations across West Cumbria can now apply for grant funding to help celebrate the arrival of The Tour Of Britain Women 2026.

We are offering funding to help local VCSE organisations deliver projects that encourage participation, promote cycling and help communities make the most of this major sporting event.

On Wednesday 19 August 2026, Cumberland will host the opening stage of the race, with riders travelling through communities across West Cumbria before returning to Cockermouth for the finish.

Find out more about the funding and how to apply: https://tinyurl.com/y55snb7r

View the Route: https://tinyurl.com/49f8e5d3

Photo credit: swpix.com

30/06/2026

🚲 FREE family-friendly events in Lowca this weekend! 🌿

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust are bringing a line-up of free activities for all ages to enjoy; whether you fancy getting your bike fixed, trying an e-bike, or getting creative outdoors.

Saturday 4th July | 9am–1pm
📍 Lowca Village Hall
👉 Dr Bike session (drop-in)
Get your bike checked and repaired for FREE while you wait – from pumping tyres to fixing brakes. Open to all ages.

Saturday 4th July | 2:30pm–5:30pm
📍 Meet outside Lowca Village Hall
👉 Nature Walk & Poetry Workshop
Enjoy a gentle guided walk and get creative with words, connecting with the local landscape.
👧 Suitable for ages 12+ (under 18s must be with an adult)
📲 Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-nature-walk-and-poetry-workshop-in-lowca-tickets-1991484305166

Sunday 5th July | 10am–3pm
📍 Lowca Village Park
👉 Free E-Bike Try Outs
Join a guided ride along Route 72 and experience an e-bike for yourself.
👧 Ages 14+ (under 18s must be with an adult)
📲 Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/try-out-e-bikes-for-free-explore-lowca-tickets-1990633934685

These sessions are a great opportunity to get active & try something new 🌊

Please share with friends, family and local groups 👇

10/06/2026

✨ WEST CUMBRIA BABY BANK – AWARDED £20,000 💛

In March this year, Copeland Community Fund awarded Howgill Family Centre And Nurseries a grant of £20,000 to support the staffing of the West Cumbria Baby Bank for one year. 👶

This fantastic service provides essential baby equipment, clothing and toiletries to women and families across West Cumbria who are struggling with financial and practical challenges of looking after a new baby. 🍼

The Baby Bank receives referrals from Community Midwifes, Health Visitors, Social Services and other agencies.

We are delighted to help ensure that no child in our community goes without the basics, and that parents have a place to turn to when times are tough.

The Baby Bank relies on donations from the local community. For more information and how you can help visit:
🖥️ https://www.howgill-centre.co.uk/support-families/west-cumbria-baby-bank