Pubs, community halls, gardens, sports clubs and other treasured locations across the UK can benefit from up to £2 million in government funding each through the Community Ownership Fund, which is open again for applications.
The fund gives local people the chance to save prized community assets that are at risk of being lost forever, and keep them open for future generations to enjoy.
20 per cent match funding
To encourage as many applications as possible and make the process easier, the money available for applicants has doubled to £2 million, and the amount organisations need to match fund has decreased from 50 per cent to 20 per cent.
Davison: Community institutions are a vital part of our social fabric
Minister for Levelling Up Dehenna Davison said,
“We want to ensure that the community institutions which are a vital part of our social fabric, like pubs and sports clubs, can continue to play a central role in towns and villages across the UK.
“By doubling the funding that organisations can receive, we are giving communities better opportunities and safeguarding the incredible local assets that are at their heart.”
£150 million fund
The Department for Levelling Up’s £150 million fund has already helped 150 community assets get back on their feet since it launched in July 2021.
Recently, Bury FC played their first game since 2019 at the historic Gigg Lane stadium after fans were given £1m from a previous funding round to help them buy the ground.
Bristol sccess story
Another project which benefited from £240,000 investment from the fund is Zion Bristol, a community hub that provides spaces for local people to meet and for groups to deliver vital services such as mental health and dementia support groups. Since receiving funding, the centre has been bought by a group of local residents, and now has seven paid staff members as well as a group of dedicated volunteers.
Emma Moore, Zion Bristol Centre Manager, said:
“We’re proof that you can save an asset. We’re an area where things are always being taken away and not being replaced.
“It’s a big boost for the local community that we can affect change and save assets – it’s an empowering thing.”
Applications for the latest window are open until 11.59am on 11th October 2023.
News shared by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, in their own words. Ed
