Wychavon Rural Fund

The Wychavon Rural Fund is now open!   

This round will focus on supporting rural communities. If you have a bright idea to make a difference to your local community then we may be able to help turn your vision into reality. Applications of up to £25,000 can be submitted. 

We welcome applications from communities that will: 

Improve community buildings/spaces AND contribute to achieving Net Zero targets, for example:

• The installation of green technologies such as solar panels and air source heat pumps.
• Creation of community EV charging points.
• Insulation installation. 

Create or improve community green spaces, for example: 

• Community gardens and orchards.
• Community play areas.

Encourage active travel methods, for example:

• Improvements to footpaths.
• Installation of secure cycle storage. 

Create or improve community cultural, heritage and tourism assets; for example: 

• Museums, arts venues, exhibition centres, theatres, libraries and film facilities. 

We are still welcoming applications from rural businesses, so if you think that this fund will help you to grow your business, we want to hear from you. 

If you are unsure about applying please contact us for more information. 

Please use the links below to find out more.

What is the Wychavon Rural Fund

Who can apply?

What types of projects does the fund support?

Where should my project take place?

How much can I apply for?

How can I apply?

What are the timescales?

Who can I contact for more information?

What is the Wychavon Rural Fund?

The Wychavon Rural Fund is being delivered by Wychavon District Council. The aim of the fund is to facilitate businesses and communities to address issues and barriers to growth, particularly those associated with being in a rural area.

The funding comes from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Who can apply?

Any organisation with legal status can receive funding, including:

• micro and small enterprises
• voluntary organisations
• registered charities
• local authorities
• public sector organisations
• higher and further education institutions

Please note we cannot support projects that have received funding from other Defra schemes, including:

• The Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme
• The Farming Investment Fund
• The Platinum Jubilee Village Hall Improvement Grant Fund

What types of projects does the fund support?

We are looking to support new capital projects that bring something new to the business and/or community. They must represent good value for money. We cannot fund staff costs, general operating expenses or services you are legally required to provide.

Please refer to our pdf Outputs and Outcomes Guidance (564 KB) to determine where your project sits regarding the Wychavon Rural Fund.

Projects should meet one or more of the following priorities:

Supporting Rural Business (total grant pot £420,000)

1. Investment in micro and small rural businesses and farm diversifications to start up or grow (for example tourism or leisure facilities, food production equipment).
2. Funding for growing the local social economy and supporting innovation (for example co-working spaces, community enterprises).
3. Development and promotion (both trade and consumer) of the visitor economy (for example information boards, visitor centres, develop local tourist attractions or visitor experiences).

Supporting Rural Communities (total grant pot £670,000)

1. Capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups (for example community energy schemes, EV charging points).
2. Creation of and improvements to local rural green spaces (for example community gardens, green spaces).
3. Active travel enhancements in local areas (for example creation or upgrading of existing footpaths and cycle paths).
4. Improvements to town centres & high streets (for example shop improvements, lighting).
5. Community & neighbourhood infrastructure projects (for example community gardens, walking and cycling infrastructure).
6. Enhancing existing cultural, historic & heritage institutions offer (for example interpretation boards, arts venues).

Where should my project take place?

The project must be delivered in a rural area within the district of Wychavon (i.e. wards outside of Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich town centres). Please refer to the Wychavon Rural Map to check if your project is in a rural postcode.

How to use the map:

• Click on the link to the Wychavon Rural Map.
• Type details of the project location in the search box and select the location from the drop down options.
• Tick the box agreeing to the Terms and Conditions and press Continue.
• Look at the box on the bottom right entitled Wychavon Rural Fund; this will tell you if the identified area is eligible for funding.

Note, you can also use the Map button at the top of the screen to show a wider area by selecting the Wychavon Rural Fund layer and zooming out.

How much can I apply for?

Capital grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are available.

Private sector organisations will be expected to match fund at least 50% of the project.

Public or voluntary sector organisations will be expected to match fund at least 30% of the project. 

How can I apply?

This link will take you to information on the Rural Fund Application Process.

What are the timescales?

Round One – Key Dates

• Expression of Interest deadline – 14 August 2023
• Full application deadline – 11 September 2023
• Funding decision – 20 October 2023

Round Two

• Expression of interest deadline: 13th November 2023
• Full Application deadline: 9th January 2024
• Funding decisions will be taken at Appraisal Panel Meetings in February and March.

Round Three 

• Expression of Interest deadline – 5^th Jan 2024 
• Full application deadline – 15^th February 2024 
• Appraisal Panels will take place in March and April 2024.  
• Projects should take place between April 2024- 31^st Jan 2025. 

If you would like to submit an application please refer to the Application Process page for guidance on what you will be asked to provide throughout the stages.  If you are unable to provide the required documents by the application deadlines for Round Two it is unlikely that your project will receive a final decision until June 2024. 

Please contact us if you would like to discuss your project.

Future Rounds

Future rounds may be opened up depending on available funding levels.

Please use this link for more information on the Application Process.

Contact

UKSPF Programme Support Officer:

Georgie Muckle: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 01684 862270.

Community Groups 

For general guidance on developing your ideas and what information we are looking for in your form: 

Evesham and surrounding area: 

Ben Price: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; 07977 946734. 

Pershore and surrounding area: 

Branwen Bingle: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; 07977 947144. 

Droitwich and surrounding area (North Wychavon District):  

Patrick Connelly: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; 07977 947143.

Businesses 

For general guidance on developing your ideas and what information we are looking for in your form: 

Economic Development Officer: 

Emma Ridley: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 07971 527006.