Applications will be open this January for up to £25,000 of funding to support transformative initiatives in rural communities.
H&H Land & Estates is urging rural community organisations across the North West to take advantage of major new funding that will become available in January 2025 from The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF).
The ‘Supporting Rural Communities’ grant programme will support transformative, community-led initiatives in rural communities across the UK, with a window for applications opening on Friday 10th January and closing by the 21st February 2025.
Jonathan Hird, H&H Land & Estates Associate Director & Chartered Surveyor, says: “This new RCF grant programme offers a very exciting new opportunity to promote social and economic resilience in rural communities, by potentially creating a new income stream or delivering training for young people, with an underlying environmental benefit. The funding available can help to improve the sustainability and longevity of rural areas and unlock the huge potential for positive change in this region.”
Rural organisations can apply for up to £25,000 to create tangible change in their community by delivering schemes that could include: Keeping young people in the countryside; Powering up rural communities; and Environmental sustainability.
Projects must be community led and will need to demonstrate they are supporting a long term vision, facilitating collaboration and innovation. The RCF has introduced a two-stage application process, with applicants required to send a short video and complete a simple ‘Expression of Interest’ form prior to the deadline of midday on Friday 21st February.
For more information you can visit the RCF website: www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/how-we-help/rural-communities/supporting-rural-communities-uk , or you can sign up the webinar they are holding for prospective applicants on Tuesday, December 17th.