Information about the UKSPF project call, eligibility and how to apply
Project call for West Norfolk Shared Prosperity Funding 2024-25
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk is inviting expressions of interest for high quality project proposals to secure between £10,000 - £50,000 UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF). UKSPF is a Government funded investment programme which aims to build pride in the places that we live in, support high quality skills training, employment and productivity growth and improve life chances.
Expressions of interest forms and associated guidance are available below and completed forms must be submitted to westnorfolkspf@west-norfolk.gov.uk by 12pm Wednesday 28 February 2024.
A minimum of 20% cash match funding is required to secure funding and this must be in place prior to project commencement.
Projects must meet the objectives of the West Norfolk Investment Plan (WNIP). The WNIP guides the local investment of UKSPF across King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. It includes priorities for the borough to:
- lead as a centre of excellence for the visitor economy
- embed approaches that encourage active lifestyles
- protect the natural environment
- increase efficiencies in both domestic and business properties
- strengthen local enterprise and innovation systems, and
- improve access to skills training and volunteering opportunities
To be progressed to full application stage projects must be able to demonstrate how they meet local need, explain the benefits and positive impacts forecasted, and must be delivered and complete between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. No funding will be awarded or paid for activities outside of these dates.
Expressions of Interest will be considered against their ability to enable impactful investment within our Borough. There are two categories of investment under which initial project proposals are invited: Communities and Place or People and Skills.
Communities and PlaceInvestment to benefit residents across the borough. |
People and SkillsSupporting growth in skills and increasing local opportunities. |
|---|---|
| Projects are being sought that do one or more of the following: | |
| Create vibrant places to live. | Improve economic activity. |
| Develop social capital – working together for a common purpose. | Establish high quality and accessible training and progression opportunities. |
| Encourage active lifestyles. | Support high quality job creation. |
| Protect / enhance the natural environment. | Create volunteering opportunities. |
| Embed ‘green’ approaches. | Provide cohesive, locally tailored support. |
| Improving physical and digital connectivity. | Meet local skills needs. |
| Support West Norfolk leading as a centre of excellence for a year-round visitor economy. | Help to reduce barriers to training or employment. |
| For example, this could be through: | |
| Town centre improvements. | High quality training provision. |
| Arts, cultural, heritage & creative activities. | Supporting people into employment. |
| Projects that support energy efficiency | VCSE sector skills development. |
| Helping to reduce the cost of living. | Addressing local skills gaps. |
| Protecting the natural environment. | Volunteer development schemes. |
| Active travel projects. | Visitor economy career development. |
| The establishment of digital hubs. | Supporting quality employment provision. |
| However these lists are not exhaustive and innovative ideas are encouraged. | |
Project outputs
Successful projects must be able to achieve measurable UKSPF Outputs which will directly result from the proposed project over its lifetime. These should be carefully considered regarding probability of achievement and ability to evidence these. Outputs are listed in the Expression of Interest form and definitions can be found on the Communities and Place - UKSPF 2024-25 project call output definitions and People and Skills - UKSPF 2024-25 project call output definitions documents.
Grant funding available
Both revenue and capital UKSPF funding can be applied for. The total UKSPF grant applied for must be between £10,000 - £50,000. Forecasted project costs should be based upon a reputable provider where possible. Please check the What cannot be funded - UKSPF 2024-25 project call document to ensure that all project costs included are eligible.
Match funding
Project budgets must include a minimum of 20% in cash match funding. Projects which attract match funding demonstrate a wider project commitment and enhance the local value of UKSPF investment. Please ensure that any match funding estimated can be secured before project commencement.
Who can apply
Local authorities, public sector organisations, private sector enterprises, higher and further education institutions, voluntary organisations, registered charities, social enterprises where they engage in economic activity, organisations representing a specific sector and constituted community organisations located, and operating with legal UK status, within the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk borough boundary.
Eligibility
Eligible projects must:
- be located within the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk borough boundary.
- provide a clear project plan.
- meet local need and the investment priorities of the West Norfolk Investment Plan.
- deliver outputs defined by UK Shared Prosperity Funding.
- demonstrate value for public money and financial need.
- be non-statutory provision.
- not duplicate existing local provision.
- demonstrate ability to lever in match funding.
- be fully deliverable by 31 March 2025.
Communities and Place
- Communities and Place - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST form with guidance
- Communities and Place - UKSPF 2024-25 project call output definitions
People and Skills
- People and Skills - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST form with guidance
- People and Skills - UKSPF 2024-25 project call output definitions
What cannot be funded
Further information
Two online information sessions have been held to provide more detailed information about this project call. The presentation from the meeting can be viewed below.