Our Grow Up! programme is providing more funding to support our rural communities with a grant scheme set to launch on Friday 16 August.
The Grow Up! Community Fund has been set up to support sustainable projects that emphasise rural skills and benefit the community.
The £130,000 fund will focus on reconnecting residents with our district’s rich rural heritage, providing volunteer opportunities and strengthening community cohesion – all priorities for the Grow Up! programme.
Projects can vary from community gardens to enriching our local biodiversity, and from constructing an outdoor classroom to arranging cookery classes.
Cllr Richard Millard, EHDC Leader, said: “Our Grow Up! programme is all about reconnecting us to our rich rural heritage and keeping alive the skills that we might otherwise lose.
“The Grow Up! Community Fund is open to community groups and local councils to support projects that will help everyone in their area.
“Whether you plan to run courses in rural crafts or find an innovative new way to combat climate change this fund could help you on your way.”
Applications for the fund will run from 16 August – 16 September for capital projects from £5,000 to £25,000.
Find out more about the grants
All about Grow Up!
Grow Up! is an East Hampshire-wide programme, funded by the UK Government, to support our rural economy, reconnect people with countryside, provide new skills, new careers and new opportunities for our residents.
Through six separate schemes, the programme will span support for businesses, mental health, education, social cohesion and environmental sustainability.
The Grow Up! programme is being funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which East Hampshire District Council has designated to help rural communities.
Rural Grants
A grants scheme to improve local tourism and make stronger communities launched on Monday 5 August.
The fund will be ideal for businesses and local groups with projects that offer attractions for visitors and tourists alongside tangible benefits to local residents.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UKSPF
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund 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.