Aims/priorities: Ofcom is offering grants for licensed community radio stations in the UK, broadcasting on AM, FM, or by a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence on a digital radio multiplex.
The Community Radio Fund, provided by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), can be used to support the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed community radio stations, including:
- Management.
- Fundraising to support the station (eg grants, commercial funding).
- Administration.
- Financial management and reporting.
- Community outreach.
- Volunteer organisation and support.
Who can apply? Licensees that hold a Community Digital Sound Programme (C-DSP) licence are eligible to apply for the Fund if the station is broadcasting on a digital radio multiplex at the date of their application.
Grants can only be made to Ofcom-licensed community radio stations in the UK, broadcasting on AM, FM, or via a C-DSP licence on a digital radio multiplex.
Applicant stations must be on air as at the date of their application for their application to be considered by the Panel. Payment can only be made to stations that have launched.
For analogue community radio stations, there should be a minimum of fifteen months remaining on the licence from the closing date for applications. If there are less than fifteen months remaining on the licence, the licensee must have submitted an extension application to Ofcom by the closing date. C-DSP licences do not have an end date
Grant amount: There is no minimum or maximum amount that can be applied for. Last year, grants ranged between £6,000 and £22,000, with an average grant of around £15,000.
Application Process: Guidance notes and an application form are available from the Ofcom website. Completed applications should be submitted by email.
Deadline: Friday 10 June 2022.
Contact information: Tel: 020 981 3002 Email: communityradiofund@ofcom.org.uk
Website: Community Radio Fund - Ofcom