PRINCE'S COUNTRYSIDE FUND

The Prince's Countryside Fund has been established to support the sustainability and protection of farms and rural communities throughout the UK. The aim of the funding is to have a long-term positive impact on rural communities, helping those that live and work there sustain the countryside by tackling key rural issues.

Community interest companies, companies limited by guarantee, charities, not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises, unincorporated associations operating in the UK can apply for grants of up to a maximum of £50,000 (inclusive of VAT) to a maximum period of three years.

Following a strategic review of the Fund's activities in March 2016, the objectives have changed.

The funding must result in things that directly relate to the Fund's current objectives of:

• Improving the prospects of viability for family farm businesses. Projects should focus on developing stronger, more sustainable farm businesses and other rural enterprises with the aim of halting the decline of the rural economy.
• Sustaining Rural Communities and driving Economic Vibrancy. Projects should provide innovative solutions to deliver assets and services that keep rural communities together and develop a more sustainable rural economy.
• Supporting Aid Delivery in Emergency and Building Resilience. Projects should support farm businesses, rural businesses and communities to plan for and recover from natural disasters such as flooding or animal disease. Groups that are considering applying under this theme should contact the Fund's Grant Manager to discuss their proposed activity in more detail.

The Fund has specific funds available for the Autumn 2016 round to help the rural communities affected by the recent flooding following a series of storms over the winter. The Fund is actively seeking applications from organisations that are supporting farmers, rural businesses and communities to recover following the flooding or projects that are focused on assisting the recovery and future resilience in these rural areas, particularly Cumbria, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Herefordshire, Northumberland and Scotland.

The deadline for applications is 13 October 2016.

Full details and an online application form can be found on The Prince's Countryside Fund website

Source: The Prince’s Countryside Fund, 19/09/2016