Funding Opportunities for Rural Businesses, Charities & Schools

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Funding Opportunities for Rural Businesses, Charities & Schools 

If you’re a small rural business, charity, or school looking for financial support, several funding schemes are currently available to help improve community infrastructure, sports facilities, and local services. Here’s a roundup of key opportunities you might want to explore:

Football Foundation Grants

Grassroots football clubs, schools, and community groups can apply for funding to upgrade their facilities, encouraging greater participation in sport and physical activity. Grants are available for:
✅ Goalposts, storage containers, and portable floodlights
✅ Changing pavilions, clubhouses, and fencing
✅ Grass pitch improvements, drainage, and maintenance equipment
✅ Defibrillators for community sports facilities

For more details and to apply, visit: Football Foundation Grants

Rural Community Assets Fund

Defra has announced up to £5 million to support community-owned assets and infrastructure in rural areas. This fund provides:
🏡 Capital funding for refurbishing village halls and community centres
🏡 Support for projects that enhance rural community facilities
🏡 Funding for Rural Housing Enablers to improve access to affordable housing

This replaces the Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund, ensuring rural communities continue to benefit from essential spaces.

More information will be available soon at South Cambs District Council

The Royal Countryside Fund

Launched in January 2025, this UK-wide programme is designed to strengthen rural resilience and support local initiatives. While further details are expected soon, the fund aims to:
🌿 Provide financial assistance to community projects in rural areas
🌿 Support business growth and development for rural enterprises
🌿 Encourage collaboration and sustainability within the countryside

Stay updated via: The Royal Countryside Fund

National Lottery Awards for All

The National Lottery Community Fund offers grants ranging from £300 to £20,000 to support projects that matter to people and communities. This funding can be used for:​Funding for All+2tnlcommunityfund.org.uk+2Arts Council England+2

  • Hosting events, activities, or performances​Team Grassroots
  • Purchasing equipment or materials​
  • Improving community spaces​
  • Offering training or skill development​

Eligible projects should aim to:​

  • Bring people together and build strong relationships in and across communities​Funding for All
  • Improve the places and spaces that matter to communities​Funding for All
  • Help more people to reach their potential by supporting them at the earliest possible stage​Funding for All

For more information and to apply, visit the National Lottery Awards for All page

Final Thoughts

These funding schemes present great opportunities for rural communities to invest in local facilities, improve services, and develop stronger, more sustainable infrastructure. If you’re eligible, consider applying or sharing this information with relevant organisations in your area.

For more updates on rural funding, check out the RSN Rural Funding Digest – March 2025.