Both these funds will support work to church buildings. For information about funding for energy audits and enrgy refurbishment see our Environmental sustainability page.

Generally landfill funding is available to almost all communities in Cumbria, the main exceptions being Keswick, Grasmere, Langdale, Coniston and Garsdale (which are more than 10 miles from an active or closed landfill site).  

The availability of Aggregates funding is decided using detailed mapping of the areas which the County Council have determined are impacted by the industry.  This mapping is held by CTfC but is not yet available electronically.  If you think you may be eligible please contact us for advice.  Aggregates funding is more flexible as it can be used for revenue items such as feasibility studies.  However unlike landfill it must be spent in the financial year in which it is awarded.

The vast majority of churches in Cumbria access the Landfill Communities Fund through either Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust (CWMET) or the Methodist Church, both of which are registered with Entrust as Environmental Bodies.  

Alternatively, Churches within 10 miles of the Biffa Carlisle Depot (St. Ninians Road, Upperby, CA2 4LR) can apply to the Biffaward Main Grants Programme.

The National Churches Trust is also in the process of becoming an Environmental Body, and we will provide further information as soon as this new application route becomes available.  NCT will have funding from WREN which must be spent within 10 miles of the landfill sites at Bennet Bank (Barrow) and Lilyhall (West Cumbria).  WREN do not give grants directly to churches.

It is possible for a church to register independently with Entrust and secure landfill funding directly from a landfill operator, however this is an unusual route that we are not aware of any churches having followed in Cumbria.

CWMET grants are up to £20,000 (max 50% project total) for landfill and up to £25,000 (max 80% of project total) for aggregates.  Landfill is more competitive, and especially so in the south of the county.  Projects which help to meet Cumbria County Council’s objectives are likely to attract more aggregates funding.  Projects which benefit places of worship but not the wider community are only likely to attract limited funding.