West Norfolk Rural Communities Capital Grant scheme provides opportunities for investment to provide resilient community services and assets for local people.
These grants can fund the provision of lasting community assets, such as buildings or equipment, which have an expected lifespan of 1 year+. Grants can be awarded for new and improved community infrastructure but cannot fund statutory costs, maintenance or upkeep.
Capital grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available, with match funding of 25% required. Projects must be deliverable between May 2024 and the end of March 2025.
The fund can provide grants to community organisations in the rural areas of 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.
Grants will be awarded to 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.
Eligible community applicants include charities, faith organisations, parish/town councils, social enterprises/CICs, and voluntary/community groups.
Interested parties can find out more about eligibility, including whether your area is designated as ‘rural’ for the purpose of the fund, and how to apply from Norfolk Community Foundation, where you will also be able to download, complete and submit an outline proposal form. This will enable you tell us more about your project idea and how it will create opportunities for your local rural community.
Outline 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.
More information about the scheme, eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Norfolk Foundation website.
The Rural England Prosperity Fund supports the aims of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme. It funds capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure. This will help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.
2023/24 West Norfolk Rural Community Capital Grant Awards
13 community groups were awarded grants of up to £10,000 to deliver rural projects in 2023/24. Granted projects focused on supporting impactful volunteering and social action to improve rural community wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve access to services and facilities through the purchase of equipment or improvements to premises.
Find out more about the year 1 grants
Visit the Norfolk Community Foundation website for more information.