Aims/priorities: The Community Radio Fund is managed by Ofcom with funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). It has been running since 2005.
The aim of the programme is to support community radio licensees with the core costs of running a community radio station on the condition that the station has a social purpose and works to involve the local community in the running and providing of the service.
Due to the ongoing impact of coronavirus/COVID-19, the Government is making an additional £200,000 available for a third funding round in 2020-21 to support community radio stations which are taking steps to tackle loneliness and isolation within their communities.
Applicants that have already received funding from any of the £750 million Covid-19 Charities Package, including through other government departments, the Community Match Challenge, the Covid-19 Community Support Fund or the Big Night In, will not be eligible to receive this funding.
Who can apply? Applications will only be considered from community radio licensees (“Licensee”) which are broadcasting under a community radio licence.
Grant amount: The maximum grant for this round is £7,500. The funding is will support the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations.
Application process: The most current guidance notes and application form can be found on the Ofcom website.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted from 18 December 2020 until 5pm on 14 January 2021.
Contact Information: Tel: 020 7981 3087 / 020 7783 4319 Email: communityradiofund@ofcom.org.uk
Website address: www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/information-for-industry/radio-broadcasters/community-radio-fund