We are open for rural grant applications!
September 8, 2023
Rural community organisations are being invited to apply for grants of up to £25,000 in the autumn round of our Supporting Rural Communities programme.
The Erne East Community Partnership were awarded £12,500.
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, 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.
The Erne Erst Community Partnership in Northern Ireland was awarded £12,500 towards their Men’s Shed project, which aims to tackle social isolation and teach woodworking skills.
Paul Dolan, Project Coordinator said: “We are delighted to receive funding from The Royal Countryside Fund; it will make a tremendous difference to our Men’s Shed and local community in Erne East, not only in sustaining the work of the Shed but also in enabling the improved health, wellbeing, and resilience of participants, their families and carers and our wider rural community through increased engagement and reduced social isolation.
“Not only that, but it will also continue to help us promote heritage and the green economy through greenwood harvest, regeneration of woodland, recycling and upcycling of old timber into heritage and environment products.”
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.”
