Setting up a Group

Setting up a new group, scheme, or community project in a rural area is an amazing way to keep village life thriving. Navigating the legalities, funding, and planning can feel a bit daunting.

We can offer advice and guidance??????

Along with our support, there is an excellent network of dedicated organisations specifically designed to help rural communities get ideas off the ground. Here are a few suggestions:

Cumbria CVS

Cumbria CVS (Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service) offers help, advice, training and support to third sector groups throughout Cumbria

Cumbria CVS

Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership

The Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership (CSEP) provides consultancy, mentoring, and development grants to help community groups launch, sustain, or grow social enterprises. Their tailored programs offer specialised, hands-on guidance to turn local community visions into thriving, sustainable businesses.

Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership

NCVO

Choosing a legal structure

NCVO

The Charity Commission for England and Wales

The Charity Commission register and regulate charities in England and Wales, to ensure that the public can support charities with confidence. They can offer step by step guidance to set up a new group, along with approved templates.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales

Plunkett Foundation

They support Community-owned businesses (shops, pubs, green spaces, hubs) and offer step-by-step toolkits, legal models for community shares, and peer-to-peer mentoring from people who have done it.

Plunkett Foundation

Locality

If you’re considering taking over local land or buildings (Asset Transfer). They offer specialist advice on the “Community Right to Bid” and navigating local authority administration.

Locality

Community Energy England

If you’re considering taking over local land or buildings (Asset Transfer). They offer specialist advice on the “Community Right to Bid” and navigating local authority administration.

Community Energy England