Round 1: 2026-2027
Small grants for biodiversity and geodiversity voluntary recording work in Cumbria
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre (CBDC) is opening a Small Grants Scheme to voluntary recorders and recording groups in Cumbria to thank recorders and recording groups for all their recording efforts over the last few years and to support future recording endeavours. Applications for funding up to £500 must be submitted to CBDC by 2nd February 2026 for projects taking place from 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027.
Application forms available here – as Word or PDF. Google Docs version also available: contact Rebecca for access.
The Small Grants Scheme will support work that improves the quality, quantity or coverage of voluntary recording in Cumbria. We will consider proposals from individuals and groups that achieve this aim, subject to eligibility criteria below. Examples of the type of work that might be supported include but aren’t restricted to:
- Funding for running training courses to recruit new recorders and improve the quality of voluntary recording in Cumbria e.g. to bring experts to Cumbria to provide workshops for groups or for individuals/groups to prepare resources for training.
- Assist with the purchase of equipment, software or consumables associated with biological or geological recording in Cumbria including for survey work or for data management support.
- Support training for individual volunteer recorders (alongside a personal contribution from the individual).
- Meeting publishing costs for the results of voluntary recording.
- Support towards the cost of setting up or running a recording group.
- Contribution towards travel expenses to deliver any of the above.
Eligibility and Terms & Conditions:
- We welcome applications from any individual or recording group who has submitted records to CBDC in the last two years. If new to recording or a new recording group so yet to send records to CBDC, please clearly indicate on the application form when you/your group first commenced recording.
- Grants up to £500 are available. Depending on the level of interest and number of applications received, partial grants might be offered to support as many groups and individuals as possible.
- Larger projects, requiring additional funding, will be considered in exceptional circumstances. Please contact CBDC to discuss.
- Grants will only be awarded to individuals or groups who will supply records to CBDC in a specified format. CBDC will work with you if successful to support your data submission.
- Activity must take place in Cumbria and/or involve Cumbrian recorders who will bring expertise back to the county.
- Only direct costs should be included in the application form. While venue hire can be included for events, catering or refreshments costs are ineligible.
- Equipment purchased by an individual with grant funds must be donated to a local recording group (as agreed with CBDC) following the work to facilitate the collection of additional data.
- Retrospective applications for activities that have already taken place will not be considered.
- Projects should take place between 1st April 2026 and 31st March 2027. In exceptional circumstances, projects extending beyond 31st March 2027 will be considered: please contact CBDC to discuss.
- Successful applicants will receive their grants in April 2026 and must submit a final report within two months of the end of their activity including a detailed breakdown of spend with receipts when appropriate and a short summary of findings. The summary of findings will be published on the CBDC website.
To apply:
- Read through the detailed call information HERE.
- Complete an application form – Word format or PDF format available. Contact Rebecca for a Google Docs version.
Please return your application form via e-mail to rebecca.slack@cbdc.org.uk or to:
Rebecca Slack
CBDC
Tullie
Castle Street
Carlisle
CA3 8TP