Funding Round-up – Community (part 1), April 2023

Here is a collection of funding rounds from local and national organisations focusing on community themes aimed at helping charities continue work.

Due to the varying nature and progress of public policies and other related activity, MVA do advise that some of the information below may have changed since the time of its issue, and whilst every effort has been made to provide up-to-date details, they ask that readers please check with each organisation’s website for the latest news.

Community Ownership Fund from UK Government
Charities and community groups can regularly apply for grants from a Government programme to take over local assets such as pubs, theatres and parks.

Managed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) since 2021, the programme’s aim is to distribute its £150 Million through bidding windows over a four year period.

Charities can bid for grants of up to £50,000 in revenue funding, and the Government will match-fund up to £250,000 in capital costs.

Launched in February, DLUHC say the current bidding window for the Fund (“bidding window 3”) is due to close by midday of 14^th April 2023 - with further windows to be announced later this year.

Find out more here.

Supporting Rural Communities Programme from The Prince's Countryside Fund
Focused on rural communities across the UK, grants are being made available to constituted not-for-profit organisations in the UK for projects which are working to create resilient and sustainable rural communities.

The outcomes that the Countryside Fund seek 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

The Fund is particularly interested in applications from groups and organisations with projects in hamlets, villages, and small market towns.

The funders say the deadline for applications is 11^th April 2023 with further dates to be announced later in the season.

More information can be found at the Funder’s website.

KCC - Combined Members Grants
The Kent County Council (KCC) is offering its annual round of funding to help community projects across Kent by using the Combined Members Grant to fund them.

In 2021/22, each Kent County Council Member has £10,000 to allocate for community grants. These grants can support a lot of different activities, which can include:

• Community safety schemes
• Sports projects
• Larger refurbishment projects in community halls

KCC say the grants are available to properly constituted organisations, such as voluntary and community groups, societies and charities, social enterprises and parish/town councils for projects that benefit local communities.

KCC advise that applicants contact their local county councillor, who can also advise them if they are unsure if their group or organisation is eligible and to find out how to apply.

At the time of writing, KCC advised this scheme is a Continuous Rolling Programme OR until funding is spent.

For more information and how to apply, visit the KCC website.

If you would like to see coverage of specific funding or grant rounds to help your charity, your project, your community group or enterprise, you can get in touch by email at info@mva.org.uk, you can also contact MVA via the website.