Funding opportunity to support rural services

If you are a not-for-private-profit organisation such as a registered charity, community business, social enterprise, co-operative or parish council and are planning to provide or improve viability  of basic local services for a rural community there could be funding available to help you achieve your aim.

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Social and Community Enterprise funding theme has £6m available to be used to directly support the provision, delivery and access to basic services in rural areas. These can range from key services such as access to child care, retail services and village halls, or services provided for the benefit of the community such as renewable energy projects.

The fund is open to enterprises in rural areas – specifically for towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 – across the whole of South West England. All projects will go through the same appraisal process with viability, sustainability and value-for-money being major considerations.

How to apply to this fund
There are two stages involved:

• Expression of Interest – The sales pitch for your project
• Full Application and supporting business plan (which projects will create using the standard Business Link business plan template)

To find out more about RDPE Community and Social Enterprise theme of funding click here

The Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013 is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, with the aim of delivering targeted support to rural businesses and communities. It is managed in this region by the South West RDA, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.