Coronavirus: emergency £2,500 grants for rural support groups

The Prince’s Countryside Fund is offering emergency grants of up to £2,500 for groups offering support to farmers and rural communities affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The Rural Response Emergency Grants Programme is focused on supporting farming and rural community groups who are seeking to counter the effects of isolation during the pandemic.

See also: Coronavirus – Welsh government offers more help for farmers

Groups can apply for grant funding of up to £2,500 if they:

• are providing emergency relief to vulnerable or isolated individuals; or
• are providing support to farmers and farm businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic; or
• are helping rural or farming communities to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

A total of £100,000 has been made available during a first round of funding, with the money coming from players of People’s Postcode Lottery

Private individuals or farm businesses are not eligible for the scheme.

Examples of how the money can be used include covering fuel costs for grocery and prescription delivery from rural community shops, pubs, and hubs, or the costs associated with emergency support by farm and agricultural support groups.

Applications close on 15 April.

To apply for funding, go to the Prince’s Countryside Fund website