New grants aimed at kickstarting people’s future careers in one of the county’s most diverse and rewarding industries have officially launched for applications, thanks to Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Fund.
Cumbria Community Foundation is now distributing grants of up to £500 to those who are newly employed in Cumbria’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry, as well as tourism and hospitality students aged 16+ years who live and study/train in the county.
Recognising the potential barriers faced by some as they contemplate a career in tourism and hospitality, the grants will provide financial support ranging from specialist equipment such as uniforms or chef’s utensils, travel costs and study materials like textbooks or laptops. They can also help with hardship costs, like rent deposits, to enable people complete their studies/apprenticeships and forge their way towards roles ranging from management and customer service, to outdoor activities, marketing, arts and creative, catering, beauty/spa, and more.
Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Fund was set up to give a helping hand to the future innovators who will take tourism and hospitality forward in the coming years. The first wave of grants are available now, with fundraising continuing throughout 2025 – and beyond – to ensure a long-term legacy for the new endowment fund.
Lakes College is just one of the education partners encouraging the next generation of tourism talent to make the most of the new grants.
Principal Chris Nattress says: “Cumbria’s hospitality sector is a fantastic industry for a wide variety of people to join and thrive within. Cumbria Tourism’s brilliant scheme to provide financial support while people get going in their hospitality career is great and just what’s needed to enable people to find and take that first step in getting their interesting and rewarding career going.”
Chef Patron at the Michelin-starred Cedar Tree at Farlam Hall, Hrishikesh Desai, comments: “Success in hospitality isn’t just about skills; it’s about heart, dedication, and the courage to begin. Opportunity awaits in Cumbria’s tourism and hospitality industry—where passion meets possibility. These grants are a fantastic way to invest in your future, embrace new skills, and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Your journey in the world of hospitality starts today!”
Meanwhile, General Manager of the Castle Green Hotel, Robert Glashan, says: “Tourism is a diverse and vibrant sector with plenty of flexibility and opportunities for career progression. So I’m delighted to support this fantastic initiative, which will undoubtedly give more people the chance to make their first step on their personal career paths. I would wholeheartedly encourage businesses to highlight this opportunity to staff who are newly employed in our industry, so they can put themselves forward for these grants.”
Tracy Cheesbrough, Grants & Programmes Officer for Cumbria Community Foundation, adds: “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support that makes this vital fund possible. Tourism is a cornerstone of Cumbria’s economy, and it is essential that those who want to build a career in the sector are not held back by financial barriers. By funding training, travel, and equipment, the fund ensures more people can access the opportunities that tourism provides, strengthening both the industry and our local communities.”
To find out more about applying for a grant from Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Fund, contact Tracy Cheesbrough direct on 01900 825760 or grants@cumbriafoundation.org, or visit: www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/cumbria-tourism-50th-anniversary-fund/
Cumbria Tourism is grateful to everyone who has already contributed to the 50th Anniversary Charitable Fund. To help it grow further and support even more young people, contributions are welcome from businesses and partners. Contact info@cumbriatourism.org to find out how you can get involved.