Rural community organisations are being invited to apply for grants of up to £25,000 from The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF) in the autumn round of their Supporting Rural Communities programme.
Maddy Taylor, Head of Operations at The Royal Countryside Fund said: “We are really keen to hear from people whose community projects are responding to specific needs in their village or town, to tackle problems such as isolation, lack of access to services, training, or employment, or that are improving the sustainability and resilience of countryside communities.
“We want to hear how your project is responding to demand from people in your area, and how it will make a real difference to improve the lives of people living in your local community.”
The Royal Countryside Fund has up to £250,000 available for not-for-profit rural organisations in this funding round, which opens today, and is looking to fund projects in Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.
Groups who are interested in applying should read the FAQs and advice documents on The Royal Countryside Fund’s website and then fill in a short application form before midday on Friday, 20th October 2023.
Chopwell Regeneration CIO in Tyne & Wear, were awarded £25,000 to establish a ‘front of house’ and ‘administration’ apprenticeship programme for Chopwell, with the aim of increasing skills, employability and confidence in young people and low skilled adults. They will support 70 volunteers and enable vital community services we provide to be increased.
John Coburn, Chair of Chopwell Regeneration CIO said: “We’re delighted to have received this award from The Royal Countryside Fund. It enables us to set up two apprenticeships, helping young people in Chopwell find a career, and supporting long-term unemployed people back into employment. This funding will create opportunities and change lives”.
Keith Halstead, executive director of The Royal Countryside Fund, said: “The RCF’s grant programme enables rural communities to become more self-sufficient by funding community-led solutions. With thanks to Waitrose and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the RCF aims to invest at least £500,000 each year through our rural grant programmes to make projects happen, particularly in hamlets, villages, and small towns.”
If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria or would like to discuss your project, please complete the online Expression of Interest form on the website and a member of the team will be in touch. Examples of the types of projects we like to support can be found in The Village Survival Guide or on our website.
Applications for grants close on Friday 20th October 2023 at midday.
