Prince's Countryside Fund (PCF): Project Village Survival
Overview
Apply for a grant of up to £10,000 over one year, for projects that are addressing rural community resilience and ensuring their village’s future viability and “thrivability”.
They are particularly seeking projects in East Anglia, the north east of England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Funding Aims
Successful projects will do one or more of the following:
- Protect or boost community assets and enterprises
- Reinvigorate service provision
- Strengthen the sense of community, therefore tackling isolation in the countryside.
They are particularly interested in supporting fledgeling ideas and projects, so do please engage with us through our grant surgeries to discuss your proposal.
How much?
You should apply for as much as you need to complete your project, to a maximum of £10,000, to be spent over 3-12 months.
For what?
They want to hear as many interesting ideas and proposals as possible so there are no strict criteria on what you can apply for. However, successful projects will demonstrate how they are addressing one of more of the following objectives:
- Improving the economic or social resilience of a UK rural community
- Reducing isolation for people living in rural areas through improving service provision
- Creating a rural community fit for the future.
They would also like applications to demonstrate how community leadership is driving projects forward.
The following criteria will be considered when awarding grants:
- Does the project meet the objectives of The Prince’s Countryside Fund and this specific funding round?
- What is the need for this project, and are the community engaged and supportive of it?
- Who will benefit from this project?
- Is your proposal clear, realistic and achievable?
- Does your project offer value for money?
While they can consider applications for village hall renovation projects, there would have to be a ‘special’ element, so that it’s not just a basic renovation. This could include projects such as remodelling or renovating a space to allow for a community café, shop, meeting space or activity area.
Who?
Applications are encouraged from properly constituted, community-led organisations with a turnover under £500,000 per year, who can demonstrate how beneficiaries will be drawn directly from the local rural community.
Where?
They are open to applications from across the UK and are particularly keen to see applications from East Anglia, the North East, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How long?
They will be awarding funding for projects of between 3 – 12 months’ duration. Projects do not have to start immediately, but all projects must be completed by 31 March 2023.
When will the grant be paid?
All grants under £8,000 will be paid up front in one instalment. Grants of more than this will be paid in two instalments. For all grants, they will require an interim progress report and a final report.