Aims/priorities: The funding aims to support the modernisation and improvement of village halls, so that they are fit for purpose and can provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for their communities:
- Improved health and/or wellbeing and/or reduction in rural loneliness.
- Positive impact on the local environment, contributes towards net zero.
- Support for the local rural economy.
- Promotion of community cohesion.
The grants are intended to support smaller capital projects in village halls such as boiler replacements, insulation, toilet upgrades and new kitchens.
Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from the following legal entities:
- Registered charities
- Charitable trusts.
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs).
- Community Associations which are registered charities.
- Multi-purpose Church Halls, Scout and Guide buildings are also eligible where they are open for the whole community, there is no alternative village hall in the vicinity, they are not single use and they are clearly advertised as multi-purpose.
- Charitable Companies.
To be eligible, the village hall must:
- Be charity owned and managed by the community.
- Be located in a local rural area with a population of less than 10,000 people.
- Have a freehold or leasehold in place. If a leasehold interest, there must be at least 21 years left to run on the lease.
Grant amount: Between £2,000 and £5,000 are available to cover 20% of the eligible capital project costs including the VAT.
There is no upper limit for the total capital costs. Smaller projects will be prioritised.
All project work must be complete before the end of March 2025.
Application process: The criteria, FAQs, a copy of the application questions and the online application form can be found on ACRE’s website.
Deadline: Until December 2024, or until available funding is fully allocated.
Contact information: Email: villagehallsfund@acre.org.uk