BAE Systems is donating £60,000 to local organisations to provide social and economic support for Barrow communities, town centre regeneration and skills to help people into employment.

The fund will be administered by the Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership and organisations can apply for awards of up to £5,000. The deadline for applications is 14 June. BAE Systems will also offer successful applicants the equivalent of three days’ business support.

Janet Garner, Future Workforce Director at BAE Systems’ submarines business, s

“The funding will provide opportunities for development of new community projects and social enterprises to contribute to the ongoing social and economic development of the local area.”

aid: “We’re pleased to work in collaboration with Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership and Social Enterprise Acumen to launch the BAE Systems Social Enterprise Fund. Our investment of £60,000 is further demonstration of this company’s commitment to the area.

Rob Randell, Chair of Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership, said: “Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership is pleased to be working with BAE Systems to further develop the local social enterprise sector in Barrow via this innovative programme.

“This complements the work we have undertaken with Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce. Social enterprises contribute around £475m per year to the Cumbrian economy and employ around 11,000 people. Through this initiative we can help some new organisations with start-up costs, or de-risk and accelerate planned growth in existing social enterprises.”

Funding is open for voluntary and non-profit making groups and organisations. Applications will be considered from constituted groups only.

For information about how to apply, contact Martin.Allman@Cumberland.gov.uk