CRISP

The Cumbria Rural Infrastructure Support Programme was set up by Cumbria County Council with financial support from Rural Regeneration Cumbria to provide grant funding to a diverse range of approaches by the community that can be used to deliver sustainable services. The scheme will support community led initiatives that are working in partnership with a social enterprise, business and parish council, or in collaboration with the public sector.  

Examples may include:

• Establishing community run services, such as community shops, pubs and childcare provision
• Relocating services into existing premises such as shops or post offices into village pubs or other business premises
• Innovative ICT based solutions to the withdrawal of local services
• Setting up mobile outreach services into village halls

Community led groups may access small project development grants to help them undertake detailed needs assessments. These can be 100% funded. Emerging projects can apply for grant support to cover 50% of the total eligible costs up to a maximum of £25,000. Full grant applications can be made up to £25,000 and will require 50% match funding. Examples of projects may include community owned village shops, credit union services child care and community Cafes.  Advice and Information projects may only apply for a maximum grant of £10,000.