Tourism Talent Fund

Kickstarting careers in tourism and hospitality
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Charitable fund open for applications

Could someone in your team benefit from our Tourism Talent Fund, set up to support young people to stay within Cumbria and help kickstart their training/careers.

Cumbria Community Foundation is now distributing grants of up to £500 to those who are newly employed in our vibrant visitor economy, as well as tourism and hospitality students aged 16+ years who live and study/train in the county.

Examples of activities supported include:

  • Specialist equipment (e.g. chef knives or uniforms)
  • Course costs and study materials like textbooks or laptops
  • Travel costs
  • Hardship costs to help people complete their studies (e.g. rent deposits)

Find out more here and contact Tracy Cheesbrough at Cumbria Community Foundation: 01900 825760 / grants@cumbriafoundation.org

Principal of Lakes College Chris Nattress with Cumbria Tourism's Rachel Tyson

Principal of Lakes College Chris Nattress with Cumbria Tourism’s Rachel Tyson.

"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."

Robert Glashan, General Manager of the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal

"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!"

Hrishikesh Desai, Chef Patron at The Cedar Tree at Farlam Hall

 

Help support future tourism talent

Our ambition is to create a lasting legacy for the Tourism Talent Fund by developing an Acorn fund that will continue giving long into the future.

We are grateful to everyone who has already contributed, by attending and sponsoring events, developing fundraising products, holding fundraising events, donating raffle prizes or donating directly.  The team is building on this momentum with further fundraising events in the pipeline, while 10% of all proceeds from our MyCumbria residents’ loyalty card goes direct to the new endowment fund.

To help the fund grow further and support even more young people, contributions are welcome from businesses and partners.

You can also help by making the Tourism Talent Fund your organisation’s designated charity of choice – boosting your own Corporate Social Responsibility and making a tangible difference to the young innovators who will help take Cumbria’s tourism and hospitality industry forward in the years to come.

Contact info@cumbriatourism.org to discuss how you can get involved.

Get In Touch

To find out more about applying for a grant from the Tourism Talent Fund, speak to Tracy Cheesbrough at Cumbria Community Foundation on 01900 825760 or grants@cumbriafoundation.org