Part of the Health, Equity and Wellbeing Programme
Overview
Grants for charitable organisations to support adults experiencing health-related challenges to employment, helping them connect with community services and create clear pathways towards gaining or sustaining meaningful employment.
Eligible area:
Barrow-in-Furness
Please note: projects must meet the requirements detailed in the Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) Service Scope Document
Donor
Westmorland and Furness Council (Public Health) through funding provided by the Team Barrow programme
Who can apply?
Charitable organisations (including social enterprises) working with one or more of the following priority groups:
– individuals who are disabled or have a long-term health condition and are seeking opportunities to participate in meaningful work and economic activity
– individuals with physical and mental health conditions who may benefit from tailored support to find and sustain employment
– individuals with caring responsibilities
– individuals experiencing disadvantage and at greater risk of poor health outcomes
– employers who are committed to creating inclusive workplaces and supporting people from these priority groups to enter, remain, and thrive in employment
Priority will be given to projects that:
• are transformative and demonstrate new ways of delivering community-based services
• demonstrate meaningful co-production, ensuring people with lived experience are actively involved in shaping the activity
• build on existing initiatives, with clear plans to pilot innovative approaches or scale up proven models to reach more people
• demonstrate collaborative/partnership working with clear referral and support pathways
• clearly demonstrate their unique impact in supporting people to overcome health-related barriers and create pathways to meaningful work and economic activity, with a focus on:
– Mild to moderate mental health challenges
– Persistent pain and musculoskeletal conditions
– Substance misuse and self-harm recovery
– Women’s health and wellbeing
Consideration will be given to projects addressing other health related conditions where there is evidence to support intervention
We welcome applications that propose to test new ideas on a small scale with a view to learning and expanding effective practices.
What the Fund supports:
• project running costs
• staff salaries
• running/overhead costs
• project level evaluation – this programme will include some time required to participate in the programme’s evaluation framework
• administration costs should be in the range of 10% and explained so that costs can be identified and justified
• Capital items may be purchased where they directly support the delivery and sustainability of the service (for example, essential equipment or adaptations that enable effective implementation)
What the Fund will not support in addition to our normal exclusions:
• existing projects, unless they are expanding to cover people experiencing health related pathways to employment and economic activity
How much can you apply for?
• organisations applying on their own can apply for up to £50,000
• organisations that form or are part of strong partnerships and work collaboratively with others can apply for up to £100,000
Additional requirements:
• applicants must meet and commit to fulfilling the project delivery and reporting requirements detailed in the Work and Health Fund (Adult Support) Service Scope Document
• projects must be delivered within 12 months of receipt of the funding award
Closing date for applications and award notification:
• the closing date for applications is 12th January 2026
• shortlisted applicants will be invited to give a short presentation to the Donor Advisory Panel during w/c 2nd March 2026
• applicants will be advised of funding outcomes and grants awarded by 31st March 2026
• successful projects to be delivered from 1st April 2026 onwards.
• projects will undergo a review 10 months after the award date to explore learning, impact, and potential eligibility for continuation funding, subject to availability and programme priorities
How to apply:
• applicants are encouraged to speak to Sarah Thompson ahead of submitting an application
• if you are applying as a single organisation, complete the application form here. If you are applying in partnership with two or more organisations, click here.
If you would like further information about this fund please contact:
Sarah Thompson on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org