Aims/priorities: The funding is intended to support innovative projects that will create a long-term difference in remote rural areas of the UK.
The PCF seeks to achieve the following outcomes through the programme:
- 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.
- Rural communities are more resilient.
- Successful community-led solutions.
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 (in January 2023).
Grants of more than this will be paid in two instalments.
All projects must be completed by January 2025.
Please note this is a highly competitive fund with only up to 15% of applicants being awarded a grant in each round.
Application process: There are usually two funding rounds per year with applications accepted in the Spring and again in the Autumn.
Applications are now being accepted to the Autumn 2022 round with a deadline of midday on 11 October 2022.
Applicants will be notified of decisions by the week commencing 12 December 2022. The first payment will be in January 2023.
Guidance notes, the FAQs and online application portal can be found on the Prince's Countryside Fund website.
The link to the application form is only open during the application window and will be taken down at midday on the closing date. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application before the closing date.
Please note the Guidance Notes have been updated for the Autumn 2022 round.
Applicants who wish to discuss their project before applying may arrange a call with the Prince's Countryside Fund by initially using the Fund's online contact form.
Deadline: Tuesday 11 October 2022 midday.
Contact information: Email: grants@countrysidefund.org.uk
Website: Home - The Prince's Countryside Fund