Community groups across Cumbria can apply for up to £300 to organise events celebrating climate action, local food and nature in June.
The funding will support activities during Great Big Green Week, from June 6 to June 14 — the UK’s biggest celebration of grassroots climate action — and The Big Lunch, from June 5 to June 8, 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 co-ordinator, 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-focused events as part of The Big Lunch, or Open Farm Sunday on June 7, promoting locally grown produce, low-carbon food options and low waste, plastic-free events.
Two free online events are available to help event organisers make the most of their activities. On Wednesday March 25 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.
Plan a Brilliant Low-Carbon Event will be held on Wednesday April 15 at 7pm, packed with tips on reducing carbon footprints and planning greener community events, featuring input from local experts and event organisers.
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 its Zero Carbon Cumbria programme.
For more information, visit zerocarboncumbria.co.uk/action/gbgw
Applications close on Monday May 4.
