Council invites applications for rural arts, creative, heritage and cultural grants

Eligible applicants can benefit from capital grants between £5,000-£20,000 towards projects that support their growth and development.

The council is keen to support exciting projects that will help the local rural economy and businesses and organisations that support communities through their activities. 

The grant can be used to deliver investment in works that enhance physical, cultural and social amenities. Examples could include, but are not limited to, alterations to buildings such as museums and theatres, improving visitor experiences at venues open to the public, creating exhibition spaces with new display equipment or investment in heritage trails to encourage increased participation in local history.

To qualify, applicants must be based in rural areas in the Harborough district which can be identified in the grant guidance. Applicants are encouraged to review the full guidance which includes the eligibility criteria.

Applications will open on Monday 8 April 2024 and close on 26 July 2024. Find out more details with grant guidance here: www.harborough.gov.uk/business-grants

The grants are being managed and distributed by Harborough District Council using £204,681 received from the government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund which is an extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Rebecca Tomlin, Economic Development Manager at Harborough District Council, said: “The Rural England Prosperity Fund offers a great opportunity for the council to support rural businesses and organisations in the Harborough district with their growth and development plans. Their work supports our well-being and strengthens our rural communities. I encourage rural organisations to have a look online and apply.”

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 www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

If you have any questions regarding your application, please email business@harborough.gov.uk