In March 2021 the UK Government announced a new package of regional funding to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for the transition to UK Shared Prosperity Funding from European Funding programmes.
European Structural Funds are invested until 2023, with several new funding calls now live and funding available to extend existing programmes up to the end of December 2023.
The UK Community Renewal Fund has a competitive selection process that targets investment in communities in need and supports priority places across the UK. Lead authorities have been selected to bring together proposals and apply for funds on behalf of their region, with £220million available for investment overall for projects delivered by March 2022. Our previous explainer blog can be read here detailing the investment priorities and funding process.
Full technical notes have now been published for applicants, deliverers and lead authorities which provide more detailed information on who can apply, the beneficiaries’ projects can support plus requirements for branding and publicity, monitoring and evaluation.
The application form has also been published which includes various Annex’s required as part of the application, demonstrating the project details such as financial profile, target indicators and project risks, plus detailed guidance on how to complete the form.
These updated documents and the original fund prospectus can be viewed here
Many lead authorities have now opened their application process with May 2021 deadlines to submit project proposals, as final bid applications for each place must be submitted to the Managing Authority by Friday 18th June 2021.
To find out who your lead authority is check the Places list published here and contact them directly to confirm their application process and deadline for submitting project proposals.
The majority of lead authorities have also set up dedicated UK Community Renewal Fund web pages such as Tees Valley Combined Authority, Somerset County Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, who have also published a helpful Q&A video.
If you would like to find out more about how Civil Society Involvement can help you, please contact info@civilsocietyinvolvement.com.
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