Published: Wednesday, 29th November 2023
The ‘outline proposal’ stage for year 2 of the West Norfolk Rural Community Capital Grants is now open: capital grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available, with match funding of 25% required.
The fund can provide capital grants to community organisations in the rural areas of the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, for the creation or improvement of buildings or equipment that will enhance and strengthen community assets, facilities and local provision.
The grant scheme is being delivered by Norfolk Community Foundation on behalf of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and is funded by £225,000 from the UK Government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Alistair Beales, Cabinet Member for Business, said:
“This funding provides an opportunity to strengthen our rural communities and we are looking forward to hearing project ideas from community groups that will improve and enhance our local offer.”
Grants are available for projects that improve social cohesion and increase local pride by investing in and futureproofing community facilities, green spaces and communal infrastructure. Successful projects should consider local needs now and into the future.
Examples of fundable projects include community-led environmental projects (such as opening a repair and repurpose hub), green community energy schemes and upgrading of community spaces to provide enhanced community use, e.g. accessibility improvements.
Projects must be deliverable between May 2024 and the end of March 2025.
Community groups must be from the rural areas of west Norfolk and eligible applicants include charities, faith organisations, parish/town councils, social enterprises/CICs, and voluntary/community groups. The Norfolk Community Foundation website has more details of eligible areas and groups.
Interested parties can find out more on the Norfolk Community Foundation where you will also be able to download and submit an outline proposal form.
Outline project proposals must be submitted by the end of January 2024 and will be reviewed soon after. Applicants who are successful at this stage will then be invited to submit a full application, and final decisions on grant awards are expected to be announced in May, so project dates should plan to start from then.
Find our more information about the scheme, eligibility and how to apply on our West Norfolk Rural Communities Capital Grants web page.