Prince’s Fund offers £50,000 for rural community schemes
The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) opened for applications on Monday (24 September), giving local community projects the chance to win funding from a pot of £50,000.
The PCF is inviting applications from projects that can prove they are “Supporting the people who take care of our countryside”. Anyone can apply, providing they can demonstrate that their project or organisation is tackling one of the following rural issues:
- Rural isolation
- Low farming incomes
- Decline of rural communities
- Lack of access to training
- Disconnect with the countryside
“We don’t want to give handouts but support those organisations that work on the ground every day and know how to make a difference.”
Victoria Harris, The Prince’s Fund
Victoria Harris, director of The Prince’s Fund, said: “We are delighted by how many applications we receive in each funding round. This time we are particularly interested in projects that will have a long-term benefit. Do you have an innovative idea of how to help our rural communities or are looking to start up a rural enterprise that could revolutionise your community? If so then please apply. We don’t want to give handouts but support those organisations that work on the ground every day and know how to make a difference.”
So far more than 100 rural communities have benefited from PCF funding to improve services such as rural transport, access to pubs, shops and post offices. While 366 rural enterprises have benefited from advice, support and funding.
There is a one-month window to apply for funding, running from from Monday 24 September 2012 to Friday 19 October 2012 at 17.00pm. More detailed information on the criteria for eligibility can be found on the website at http://www.princescountryfund.co.uk