The Community Ownership Fund has re-opened for applications, giving local people the chance to seize back control of prized community assets.
Pubs, community halls, gardens, sports clubs and other treasured locations can benefit from up to £2 million in government funding each through the Community Ownership Fund.
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.
To encourage as many applications as possible, the money available for applicants has doubled to £2 million, and the amount organisations need to match fund has decreased from 50% to 20%. Applications for the current funding round close on 11th of October 2023.
North Trafford Local Conservative activist, Paul Lally said regarding the fund “This is a great opportunity for local incorporated voluntary and community organisations and parish councils to ensure that community institutions, like pubs and sports clubs, can continue to play a central role in towns and villages across our area. Whether it’s the pub in a local town centre that’s facing closure, a village shop or a local sports team that might lose its ground, the Fund offers a great opportunity for local groups to take them over and to run them as businesses.
I would like to encourage eligible groups to find out more on what is available by visiting https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-ownership-fund-prospectus/community-ownership-fund-prospectus--3.”
