Don't miss out on the new round of the Wychavon Rural Fund.

Rural businesses and communities can now apply for a new round of the Wychavon Rural Fund. Companies, charities, community groups, town and parish councils and other organisations can bid for grants of between £2,500 and £25,000.

Businesses will be expected to match fund 50 per cent of the total cost of a project and other organisations 30 per cent.

The money can be used by small or micro businesses in rural areas, including farmers, to diversify into other sectors and to grow tourism. Rural community projects such as community energy schemes, improvements to local green spaces, upgraded walking and cycling routes and cultural or heritage projects can also bid for support.

The money can only be used to fund physical projects such as new buildings or renovations and not for staff or day-to-day running costs. Expressions of interest must be submitted through Wychavon’s website using the online form by 26th February 2024. Shortlisted bids will then be invited to work up a full application.

The first round saw 82 organisations put forward projects for funding totalling more than £1.2 million. In total £1 million of support will be released over the next two years. The funding is part of Wychavon’s share of the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

More information about the qualifying criteria for the fund and how to apply can be found at Wychavon Rural Fund