Aims/priorities: The aim of the Supporting Rural Communities programme is to support innovative projects that will create a long-term difference in remote rural areas of the UK.
The outcomes PCF seeks to achieve through the programme include:
- Reinvigorating or developing community networks.
- Improving the health and well-being of socially isolated people.
- Creating a legacy of support and promoting community spirit and cohesion.
- Communities supporting one another through volunteering opportunities.
- Promoting a greener economy by encouraging people to travel less and utilise locally grown and crafted products.
Funding is for community-led projects that are pursuing innovative and strategic solutions to the challenges facing their rural area and which will improve the long-term viability and resilience of their community. Successful projects will achieve one or more of the following:
- Support people to resolve existing and emerging community issues, circumstances, and priorities in their locality.
- Build rural community resilience.
- Develop innovative and replicable projects.
- Enable leadership and community planning.
- Improve the economic or social resilience of a rural community.
- Reduce isolation for people living in rural areas through improving service provision.
- Create a self-sufficient rural community fit for the future.
Projects must also be able to demonstrate community demand and support.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from properly constituted, community-led organisations with a turnover under £500,000 per year, who can demonstrate how beneficiaries will be drawn from the local rural community. Applications from groups and organisations with projects in hamlets, villages and small market towns are particularly welcome.
Grant amount: Grants of up to £25,000 over two years are available. All grants under £10,000 will be paid up front in one instalment. Grants of more than this will be paid in two instalments. All projects must be completed by 30 June 2024.
Application process: Guidance notes and the application form are available from the Prince's Countryside Fund website during the application window. Before starting an application, groups are advised to read the application guidance and FAQs which can be found on the PCF website.
Deadline: 12 April 2022 (Noon).
Contact information: Email grants@countrysidefund.org.uk
Website address: www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk