Funding for Rural Businesses and Communities

                                                                                                                                                 
 
 
Good news - the small grant programme re-opens!
 
A £50,000 cash injection from Defra means the 'Making it Local' grants scheme is now open again.  
 
The programme has been closed to new applications since June 2011 but local people can now apply for grants under the small grants scheme. Applicants can apply for between £1,000 and £10,000 for their project but they must meet the 'Making it Local' eligibility criteria.
 
If you have a project you think would benefit from grant funding, check the eligibility status.  If you are not sure about eligibility, contact the 'Making it Local' team; makingitlocal@devon.gov.uk or tel. 01823 680626
 
We are expecting a lot of interest but as it's a competitive grant fund, we can only help a small number of projects.  Don't let this put you off though - your project maybe a winner!
 
The first stage of applying is to complete an 'Initial Project Outline'.  If the project is viable, you will be invited to complete a more indepth, full application form.  See the section on the small grants fund for further advice and information.
 
The Making it Local programme will continue until December 2013 in order to support previously funded projects and to develop networks and skills in the area. We will be running free funding workshops throughout 2012 and we will continue giving one to one advice to community groups and small businesses.
                                                                                                                                              
 
Making it Local  is a five year £2.4 million, locally managed grants
scheme in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB), East Devon AONB and surrounding area running to the
end of 2013. It aims to use the outstanding landscapes and local
skills as a springboard for healthy and lasting development.
 


Making it Local has three strategic objectives, around which projects
will be funded:
 
A. Raise business performance and local  employment
B. Communities and Connections
C. Make the most of local resources

Organisations eligible for funding
Funding is available for different kinds of business and organisations, including private businesses, farms (for non-farming activities), sole traders, social enterprises, parish and town Councils, voluntary groups, local community groups and charities.

How much funding projects can apply for
-Main Grants Fund - £10,000 to £100,000 for large projects that
will have a significant impact on the area.
-Small Grants Fund - £1,000 to £10,000 for small projects. 

 

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in
rural areas.