Businesses and community groups can apply for grant funding through our Grow Up! programme
A grants scheme to improve local tourism and make stronger communities will be launching 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 year the fund will allocate grants of more than £300,000 across the district as part of our ambitious Grow Up! programme.
Cllr Richard Millard, EHDC Leader, said: "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.
"One way we can support local businesses and local communities is by diverting funds to the best projects and programmes in the district.
"We're looking for ideas that not only make East Hampshire a more attractive destination for visitors but will also make a positive impact on the day-to-day lives of our own residents.
"If you have such a scheme then get in touch with us and see if you are eligible for a Rural Grant."
The Rural England Prosperity Fund (the ‘Rural Grant’) will provide capital grants to rural businesses and community groups. Priority sectors for the grant are the visitor economy and community inclusion.
The Rural Grant will be available for grants of between £15,000 and £50,000 – and depending on the community and social impact may require no match funding at all. Eligible business projects may have to provide match funding of up to 50 per cent.
Eligible applicants will be able to apply from 9am on Monday 5 August 2024. The application process will close at 11:59am on Thursday 12 September 2024.
East Hampshire District Council will be running a webinar to answer your questions at 1pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024, which will be recorded. A link to the recording will be available afterwards. To book your place please email: business@easthants.gov.uk.
You will need a MyEHDC account to apply.
The Grow Up! Community Fund
The Grow Up! programme will also be providing another grant scheme for community groups.
The Grow Up! Community Fund will launch on Friday 16 August and will support community groups and town and parish councils.
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.