H&H Rural Matters Bursary Fund

H&H Group PLC is proud to launch the H&H Rural Matters Bursary, a new initiative supporting the next generation of farmers in Cumbria.

The bursary is aimed at young farmers aged approximately 25–35 years who are looking to develop their skills, education, or farming businesses through practical projects, training, or investment. Applications are welcomed from individuals with ambition, initiative and a clear plan for the future.

By launching this bursary, H&H Group continues its long-standing commitment to Cumbria’s rural communities - investing in people, ideas and the future of farming.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

Be resident in Cumbria
Be aged approximately 25–35 years
Be actively involved in farming or an agricultural-related business
Have a clear project, training, or development plan requiring financial support

What the Bursary Supports

Funding may be used to support:

Education, training, or professional development
On-farm projects or business improvements
Innovation, diversification, or efficiency initiatives

View full FAQ's

Key Dates

Applications Open: 20^th February 2026
Applications Close: Friday 24^th April 2026
Successful Applicants Announced: Monday 11^th May 2026

How to Apply

Please complete the online application form below. All applications will be reviewed by the H&H Panel of judges.

Applicant Details

Full name *

Date of Birth *

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2

Town/City *

Postcode *

Telephone Number *

Email Address *

Are you resident in Cumbria?

Yes

Farm / Business Information

Farm or Business Name (if applicable)

Type of Farming or Agricultural Enterprise *

(eg livestock, arable, mixed, diversification, contracting, other)

Project Details

Project Title *

(Max. 50 words)

Project Description *

(Max. 300 words)

Purpose and Outcomes

How will this project support your development or business? *

(Max. 200 words)

What longer-term benefits will this project bring to farming in Cumbria? *

(Max. 150 words)

Funding Information

Total Project Cost (£) *

Amount of Bursary Funding Requested (maximum £3,000) *

How will the bursary funds be used? *

(Max. 150 words)

Project Timeline

Expected Start Date *

Expected Completion Date *

About You

Why should you be considered for the H&H Rural Matters Bursary? *

(Max. 150 words)

Declaration

Please confirm the following before submitting your application:

I confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

I confirm that I meet the eligibility criteria for the H&H Rural Matters Bursary.

Data Protection

Personal information provided within this application will be used solely for the purpose of administering the H&H Rural Matters Bursary fund and will be processed in accordance with H&H Group PLC’s Privacy Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

The bursary is open to individuals who:
•   Are resident in Cumbria
•   Are aged approximately 25–35 years
•   Are actively involved in farming or an agricultural-related business
•   Have a clearly defined project, training, or development plan

What can the bursary be used for?

The bursary can support a wide range of initiatives, including:
•   Education, training, or professional development
•   On-farm projects or business improvements
•   Innovation, diversification, or efficiency-driven ideas
Projects should demonstrate clear benefits to the applicant and the future of farming in Cumbria.

How much funding is available?

The total value of the bursary is £3,000 but may be split into smaller amounts. Applicants should clearly state the amount of funding requested and how it will be used as part of their application.

Can I apply if I have received funding before?

Yes. Previous funding or grants will not automatically exclude an applicant, provided the project meets the bursary criteria.

How do I apply?

Applications must be submitted using the online application form via the H&H Group PLC website form.

What is the application deadline?

Applications open on 20th February 2026 and close on Friday 24th April 2026. Late applications cannot be considered.

How are applications assessed?

All applications will be assessed by an H&H panel of judges. Judges will consider:
•   Clarity and feasibility of the project
•   Benefits to the applicant and wider farming community
•   Value for money and long-term impact

When will successful applicants be announced?

Successful applicants will be announced in early May/June with a short film of themselves presented at the Cumbria Farmer Awards in August 2026.

Will applicants receive feedback?

Due to the expected number of applications, individual feedback may not be available.

Who can I contact for further information?

For general enquiries, please contact Nina Oxley, e: [email protected]